Blagojevich gets busted
Columnist James Ingram
If anyone ever doubted that Illinois is not one of the most politically corrupt states in America, then the recent arrest of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, should leave few doubts.
Last week, Blagojevich was accused by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, of being involved in a “corruption crime spree” (involving pay-to-play politics) which Fitzgerald referred to as “staggering” in terms of the brazen and reckless manner in which it was executed.
Admittedly, I’ve written a number of columns regarding the arrogant and audacious political pond scum of East St. Louis and St. Clair County, but these allegations against Blagojevich would cause even the lowest ESL politicians to blush.
Among the allegations against Blagojevich: conspiring to sell or trade the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by President-elect Barack Obama.
According to the 76-page affidavit accompanying the criminal complaint against Blagojevich, the governor was caught (in a wiretap) saying, “I’ve got this thing and it’s (expletive) golden, and I’m just not giving it up for (expletive) nothing,” referring to his power to name a replacement to Obama’s Senate seat.
In exchange for the Senate appointment, Blagojevich wanted a Cabinet post, an ambassadorship or to even have his wife named to a high-paying corporate board, according to allegations.
Blagojevich also, allegedly, directed his chief of staff to advise Chicago Tribune and Cubs owners that state financial assistance would be withheld, unless members of the Tribune’s editorial board (who wrote negative articles about him) were fired.
As if these allegations weren’t repugnant enough, Blagojevich was also accused of attempting to shake down a Children’s Memorial Hospital executive, threatening to withhold $8 million in hospital funding unless he received a $50,000 campaign contribution, according to an informant referred to in the affidavit.
Who does Blagojevich sound like? Don Corleone or Al Capone? Not even mafia types would stoop so low as to be accused of holding a children’s hospital hostage for monetary gain.
Nor would they be so dumb, knowing that they were the subject of an FBI investigation (as Blagojevich knew), to so brazenly thumb their nose at U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald is the same man responsible for putting away Governor George Ryan, New York mobster John Gotti and Vice President Dick Cheney’s chief of staff “Scooter” Libby.
I’ve got one word for Blagojevich: prison! That’s where he’s headed. The wiretaps, the 76 pages of Blagojevich’s profanity-laced arrogance, bullying and other alleged abuses of the public’s trust, I predict, will gain him admission into the fraternity of incarcerated Illinois governors.
Let’s call the dishonor roll. Governor George Ryan, currently serving a 6 ½-year for corruption. Governor Dan Walker pleaded guilty to bank fraud (in 1987) and was sentenced to seven years in prison. Governor Otto Kerner, convicted (in 1973) on bribery and tax evasion.
That’s the legacy of Illinois gubernatorial “poli-tricks”. Next up, Governor Rod (“F— them”) Blagojevich? We shall see.
The only bright spot in this whole fiasco is that President-elect Obama’s refusal to play ball with Blagojevich was captured (by wiretap) and in black and white, with the governor referring to Obama as “not willing to give me anything except appreciation.” His conclusion: “(expletive) them.”
This leaves Obama smelling like a rose in an ocean of the political stench of Blagojevich’s wheeling and dealing.
Hopefully, Blagojevich will have the decency to resign. If not, hopefully, the Illinois Legislature will impeach him or, at least, call for a special election to fill Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich lacks the moral authority to lead, the state has a $2 billion shortfall and the governor has replaced Sarah Palin as the favorite target of late-night comedians.
Enough. Resign, governor. It’s the only respectable and responsible thing to do.
Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com.