Sen Burris receives Letter of Public Admonition from Ethics Committee

November 20, 2009

The Senate Ethics Committee has finally made a judgment in the investigation of Senator Burris’ possible perjury in relation to barry’s senate seat. They cleared him of any wrongdoing but issued a public letter of qualified admonition.

It ranks in the middle of sanctions after a private letter of admonition, private letter of qualified admonition and expulsion and censure.

They made sure to include the specifics as a way of embarrassing him so that he’d think twice about his vote on the healthcare bill. He’s holding out for a public option. It’s not a coincidence the committee made their pronouncement just prior to the test vote.

What’s interesting is they looked right past the real pay to play: Burris paid barry for his senate seat. Burris’ lawyer and long time friend and partner donated $50K to barry’s inauguration. It doesn’t get much clearer than that.

Sen Burris statement re: Senate admonishment

Pertinent quotes from the letter:

After an extensive investigation, the Select Committee on Ethics is issuing you this Public Letter of Qualified Admonition for actions and statements that reflected unfavorably on the Senate in connection with your appoint to and seating in the Senate.

The committee found that you should have known that you were providing incorrect, inconsistent, misleading or incomplete information to the public, the Senate and those conducting legitimate inquiries into your appointment to the Senate.

…the Committee did not find that the evidence before it supported any actionable violations of law…

Underlining and bold theirs – link added.

Your sworn affidavit and sworn testimony before the Illinois House of Representatives were incosistent, incomplete and misleading.

Your shifting explanations about your sworn statements appear less than candid.

Your November 13, 2008 call with Robert Blagojevich, while not raising to an explicit level of quid pro quo, was inappropriate.

Letter posted to Scrib by Chicago Tribune.

View this document on Scribd

Public letter of Qualified admonition

Chairman Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
Mark L Pryor (D-AR)
Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Vice Chair Johnny Isakson (R-GA)
Pat Roberts (R-KS)
James E Risch (R-ID)

Their signatures are very interesting. It’s clear that Sen Risch thinks awfully highly of himself.

Source: Chicago Breaking News

Tags: perjury, president obama, public letter of qualified admonition, robert blagojevich, rod blagojevich, Select Committee on Ethics, senator barbara boxer, Senator James E Risch, Senator Johnny Isakson, Senator Mark L Pryor, Senator Pat Roberts, senator roland burris, Senator Sherrod Brown

Sen Burris statement re: Senate admonishment

November 20, 2009

Senator Burris statement re: Senate Ethics Committee findings and Public Letter of Admonition:

I am pleased that after numerous investigations, this matter has finally come to a close. I thank the members of the Senate Ethics Committee for their fair and thorough review of this matter, and now look forward to continuing the important work ahead on behalf of the people of Illinois.

Tags: perjury, president obama, public letter of qualified admonition, robert blagojevich, rod blagojevich, roland burris, roland burris affidavit, Select Committee on Ethics, senate ethics committee, senator barbara boxer, Senator James E Risch, Senator Johnny Isakson, Senator Mark L Pryor, Senator Pat Roberts, senator roland burris, Senator Sherrod Brown

HuffPo hires Axelrod’s son

July 29, 2009

Remember how crazed they were about “blago” and “Chicago Politics”? Chicago politics, I might add, that never included barry – or Mrs Obama, who was schooled in it as a child.

Well, pay to play is alive and well. Huffington Post got barry elected and in doing made their way to the top of the blog ratings. And they did so well, they expanded to Chicago (surprise), New York and Colorado with plans for LA next. The Colorado site goes up in September and the new editor is David Axelrod’s fresh out of college 22 y/o son Ethan. It appears the Colorado site will follow the original: no experience necessary to write barry propaganda and no ethics needed to destroy all of his naysayers – political or private citizens.

Axelrod’s first quote, already a spin of daddy getting him the job:

I’ve been interested in journalism for a while. I heard through my father that they were expanding, so I applied for it.

He reportedly was interviewed along with other candidates. Wonder if they knew they had no chance at getting the job?

It appears the junior Axelrod has been watching old footage of Mr Walter Cronkite:

I’ve always been a follower and admirer of news reporting.

Source: Washington Post’s HOWARD KURTZ, who had a nice way of announcing the new hire:

Ethan Axelrod is joining the Huffington Post, the liberal Web site that has been largely supportive of President Obama.

Ethan Axelrod ******** David Axelrod

Burris made incomplete financial disclosure

June 25, 2009

The Roland Burris expose continues. Remember “Certainly ain’t no pay to pay cuz I don’t have no money? He’s got some money stashed away after all. Although he was cleared on perjury charges, he’s still under investigation by the Senate Ethics Committee. He did it even though he knew he was being closely scrutinized and that anything out of order would further “taint” him. He may not have arrived tainted but everything since has been. And when they get caught, they say they didn’t realize it or just forgot or TurboTax made me do it and then apologize and there’s no real penalty. What is considered an ethics violation worthy of sanction in the Senate? Vitter and the DC Madam wasn’t.

Anyway Sen Burris failed to report in his Senate financial disclosure form–total assets $900K to $1.8M–that he has options to buy 8,000 shares of stock in Inland Real Estate Corp. He was on the board from 1996 until January 15, stepping down just prior to his swearing in. Hard to forget when you consider he took in $64K last year and already owns 8,430 shares worth around $109K.

Apologetic response from Burris spokesman Jim O’Connor?

You are absolutely right. His unexercised options were not disclosed.

So it appears he had plenty of money after all. Plenty of money in fact to pay back his lawyer for his $50K donation to barry’s inauguration. Plenty of money for pay to play – directly to barry for his senate seat through his lawyer. The same thing he suggested to Rob Blagojevich on the audiotape.

And, and my law partner we were gonna try to do something at the law firm. I might be able to do this in the name of Tim Wright.

[Exercising my First Amendment rights] I will state once again that Burris paid for his senate seat in (continued) broad daylight right to barry, which is why he never paid blago anything. His lawyer’s donation was markedly out of character from his donation records. He had actually donated to Hillary Clinton. Burris has been around long enough to know that talking is fine but money can be traced. The whole city knew Blago was under federal investigation – just like we knew Rezko was under federal investigation when barry displayed his “superior judgment” in making his “boneheaded mistake” when he bought his house along with the Rezkos – Burris knew that any cash involved with Blago would be caught.

Why else did barry intercede? It was the first actual action barry made – completely out of character. The very first time he did anything.

Why?

Anyone ever going to look into it?

Because it won’t be the Senate Ethics Committee.

No perjury charges for Senator Burris

recovered missing post

June 19, 2009

Sangamon County State’s Attorney John Schmidt — although Burris’ statements were vague, they didn’t support a perjury charge. Maybe not. But from his subsequent revelations, it’s clear he knew what he was doing in not answering. He was asked specific names. Jim Durkin deserves the blame for not making him give an answer to each name.

JOHN SCHMIDT letter to Michael Madigan:

Moreover, an individual does not commit perjury if he corrects the known falsity before the adjournment of the tribunal. This provision accomplishes the legislative intent of the law of perjury which is to get complete and truthful information before the tribunal.

….These were not substantive discussions concerning how to get the appointment, but rather Sen. Burris imploring the listener to tell Gov. Blagojevich he was interested.

…Burris’ responses cannot support a perjury charge. He said he could not recall anyone specific because there were many individuals urging him to run. The answer was
incomplete, but that is not perjury given the form of the questions.

…The two affidavits signed by Senator Burris dated January 5, 2009 and February 4, 2009 are not inconsistent, thus do not support a perjury charge. The January 5, 2009 affidavit only describes the actual appointment process of Governor Blagojevich appointing Roland Burris to the vacant senate seat. It is insufficient to support perjury charges based upon Burris’ testimony before the House Impeachment Committee.

The February 4, 2009 affidavit was requested by the Committee and filed to supplement Burris’ testimony. This affidavit does not support perjury charges based upon Senator Bums’ answers to the House Committee. This affidavit supplements and expands answers while the tribunal was still convened. It should be noted the affidavit was filed with the Special Committee long before Senator Burris knew his conversation with Robert Blagojevich was captured on tape. This fact supports Senator Burris’ claim the affidavit was meant to supplement the record while the tribunal was in sessi

In sum, based upon our review of the facts and the applicable law, there is insufficient evidence to charge Senator Roland Burris with perjury.

SENATOR BURRIS:

I am obviously very pleased with today’s decision by State’s Attorney John Schmidt. His investigation was both thorough and fair, and I am glad that the truth has prevailed. This matter has now been fully investigated; I cooperated at every phase of the process, and as I have said from the beginning, I have never engaged in any pay-to-play, never perjured myself, and came to this seat in an honest and legal way. Today’s announcement confirms all that.

Blago pal, Chris Kelly gets 37 monthS

June 22, 2009

Former adviser and chief fundraiser for impeached Gov Rod Blagojevich, Christopher Kelly was given a 37 month out of a 48 max sentence. He plead guilty in January to federal tax fraud — he used his roofing company money to cover $500K in gambling debts…before first paying the IRS. And he was scummy about it – making checks out in his children and friends’ children’s name while he paid the bookie with cash. It’s one thing to gamble, another thing to cheat the government, but it’s a whole nother thing to involve not only your children but somebody else’s and not just once. His lawyer tried to mitigate things by saying he only failed to pay less than 10% of his taxes. He should have mentioned he would have qualified for barry’s cabinet if he had just paid up when he got caught.

Things aren’t nearly over for Kelly. His charges came out of blago’s undercover investigation and he will most likely testify against his former good buddy just like it appears Rezko will. Rezko also has outstanding charges in Las Vegas for unpaid gambling debts – I think around $600K.

Kelly has also been charged in attempted extortion of United and American Airlines at O’hare – again through his roofing business – and the trial is slated to begin in September. Which may be why the judge set his surrender date as Nov 2nd.

Source: Chicago Breaking News’ JEFF COEN

Jungle Patti, Radio Rod and kooky old Aunt Baar Topinka

June 5, 2009

Well the first incidence has taken place. Milorad’s wife, Jungle Patti, brought up one of hubby’s opponents in reference to a contestant – Janice Dickinson – on ‘I’m a celebrity…’. And of course blago’s female opponent heard it was none too pleased and called into The Don Wade and Roma Show (WLS -890) to defend herself. blago is working as an official correspondent for ‘I’m a celebrity…’ aka Radio Rod with the Jungle Beat. He discusses Patti in an effort to keep her there but also as a plug for the show.

Here are their respective words. Somebody actually had a video clip. Blago’s is from WLS and Huffington Post got the Baar Topinka bit.

secrets4fun

PATTI BLAGOJEVICH:

My husband had a campaign where he was running against this woman a little bit like her and he thought of her like a crazy old aunt. He had to kind of like suffer and kind of like, and kind of just like, roll your eyes at. Like she’s the kooky old aunt. You had to be respectful to her because she’s your old aunt.

RADIO ROD:

Yes, it’s Judy Baar Topinka. When you’re in a campaign and you have to be with your opponent from time to time, sometimes they’ll do things to you that you think are unfair OR They’ll twist things. I’m sure they think the same thing about you. For me, I try to get myself in a mindset where I could love my opponent and not let it get personal. To discipline myself, I tried to imagine, like a method actor might, that Judy Baar Topinka was one of my old aunts. That deep down she was a good person and when she would say the things that she would say or do the things she would do, it was more amusing than anything else. And I think that really probably is who she is. You know, crazy aunt in a good way.

Then Roma and Rod say what a good contestant she’d be. He signed off and Baar Topinka called in.

For the record – Milorad beat her and she is more than a tad off but Janice Dickinson is in her own universe.

======

=======

JUDY BAAR TOPINKA:

This is your crazy aunt in the attic!

That kooky old aunt had three terms in the Treasurer’s Office and never displaced a dollar and gave $230M of unclaimed assets back to people and made a profit. Not bad, uh, for being a kooky old aunt? Maybe Gov Blagojevich — former Gov Blagojevich — and his tarantula-eating wife might, ypu know, consider looking at doing the same thing or they wouldn’t be in such trouble.

That’s disgusting, Roma. Frankly I don’t care what the deal is here. wTo send a loved one off to eat tarantulas and roaches and things like that — that’s disgusting. I wouldn’t send any of my family members like that. To me, they’re worth more than that. It’s just not right.

ROMA: Would you go?

BAAR TOPINKA: Absolutely not.

I just wouldn’t do it. I think it’s denigrating. When you hold public office — especially if you were the first lady of the State of Illinois and the former gov — my God, you’ve got a role to play here. You’re a role model. You don’t go off eating roaches. About the closest thing I ever got to roaches was in Springfield. No way do I want to be close to those things.

BAAR TOPINKA:

Well I think it’s nice that they felt they should be respectful to me because I’ve always been repsectful to people in terms of age.

The fact that they bring it up in this way just proves that they really have no respect for anything. They are shameless. They certainly have no respect for the system. They have no respect for the people of Illinois. It’s all about them. You can’t tell me that as she sits there looking sane, with a bunch of has-beens and wannabes and goofs so she looks better by comparison. This is the same gal with the potty-mouth who was yelling on one of these transcripts of a phone message, you know, ‘Go knock these guys off the Tribune, get rid of these editorial writers if they can’t make a deal on the Cubs then expletive deleted.’ I mean, Who is this woman? Now she’s suddenly playing Martha Washington. I mean, c’mon – alright? She knew what was going on. She’s lucky Patrick Fitzgerald isn’t on her case, too.

Who says he isn’t?

Patti has no way of knowing what’s going

Larry King: Radio Rod Blagojevich

June 4, 2009

Radio Rod was on Larry King. Came across as sincere and loving of his wife and girls. Talked too much and too repetitively about how he was wronged and what was done to him. He needs to stick to he's looking forward to his day in court. Surprised he didn't mention his gig on the Don Wade and Roma Show as the official correspondent for"I'M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE!

Summary: his hair "product of the disco era", discussed how his wife, Jungle Patti, is doing on the show, says it's tough to watch her do those these, admits he never realized how much moms do and how hard a job it is, how the kids are handling things, she's very popular and coming across well, Patti's getting paid as much as he would have been, wouldn't disclose how much - "very generous", 3 reasons Patti went on show: felt an obligation to NBC - thanks them, to support the family and to make money for their charity -- the original charity refused because Rod threatened to withhold money from Children's Memorial Hospital.

He's still working on his book, not giving up, wants the truth to come out, wouldn't comment on Burris, says he anxious for the trial to vindicate himself, says the word truth 19 times, he's innocent, a great injustice has been done to him and his family, there's meaning in this, mentions that other folks are out of a job -- specifically the Michigan autoworkers -- and slipped in that Gov Quinn went back on his promise not to raise taxes.

Brings up TONY REZKO who really must have talked as a "central figure in this whole case that both President Obama and I had a close relationship with." and that "He sent a letter to a federal judge saying that neither president, then Senator Obama, or me were involved in any wrongdoing with him. Now suddenly he emerges in this case in a different light."

Quotes: MLK, Rudyard Kipling, Teddy Roosevelt and Greek historian by the name of Edith Hamilton.

===================

CNN Transcript

KING: All right, Rod, welcome. You were just watching your wife on the show a minute ago. How -- how is she doing?

ROD BLAGOJEVICH, FORMER GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS: Well, you know, Larry, these are the sorts of things that happen sometimes when you've been knocked down and you're trying to rebuild and pick yourself up. You know, I was originally the one who was going to do that show and I wish I could have done it, because I sure would have liked to have been the one to have to do some of the things that, unfortunately, Patti has to do.

It's, you know, with mixed feelings that I watch that. It's difficult to see her have to do something like this.

But it's a way for us to make a living as we rebuild our lives, keep our kids in the same school that they're in, stay in the same home that they've lived in since -- for the past eight years -- and try to keep as much of a normal life for our children as possible, even though we have this short period of time in the month of June that their mom is gone. And she's making a sacrifice because she loves her kids. And eating that tarantula like she had to is an act of love. It's a sign that this is a mother who loves her children.

KING: More with Rod Blagojevich on very serious matters after the break. Stick around.
================
===============

KING: As we said, Rod, your wife, Patti, is in Costa Rica. She's on NBC's "I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!" In the first episode, some of her fellow reality contestants brought up your troubles. Watch.

=====BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "I'M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE!," COURTESY NBC==========
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why is your husband facing jail time? What happened?

P. BLAGOJEVICH: I can't really get into it too much, except that, yes, they made a big hoopla out of something that wasn't even the truth. My husband was governor for six years. Twice voted by the people and, you know, was always about doing the right thing for people.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Just so you know, when I met him, I was like this is who I would have voted for the president of United States of America.

P. BLAGOJEVICH: Well, I appreciate that.
=============END VIDEO CLIP===============

KING: OK, Rod, the judge presiding over the corruption involving you says the trial is going to be probably in the spring of 2010. Why so far away?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Well, I don't know. The judge sets the schedule. And he's the boss, as he should be. And so that's just another obstacle that those of us who would like to move this forward have to deal with. I'm eager for my day in court. I'm eager to vindicate myself. I'm eager for the truth to come out. I've been wronged. These are false accusations. And I'm looking forward for the whole story to come out. And I would like very much to be able to get this whole process moving sooner rather than later.

But it's going to go of its own accord and there's a -- a complicated legal process that necessarily will occur. But I fully expect a fair trial. And I know what the truth is and I know the truth will be one that will vindicate me and put in perspective what's happened to not only me, but to Patti and our family.

KING: Do you believe, Rod, that nobody is going to work out a plea here, there will definitely be a trial?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: No. There's definitely going to be a trial. I've done absolutely nothing wrong. I have been wronged. I can't talk about the case, as you know, Larry. It's not appropriate. But, you know, I -- again, I'm looking forward to my opportunity to finally be able to get all the information out and let people see what the truth is.

You know, there's a -- there are some lines from a poem that Rudyard Kipling wrote that reads: "If you bear to hear the truth you've spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools and see the things you gave your life to broken and stoop and build them up with worn out tools."

Now, they've made accusations. People have lied about me. I'm dealing with that. I'm not giving up. I'm picking myself up and I'm dusting myself off, as my wife is, as well. We're rebuilding our lives. And we're stooping down with worn out tools to do that. But, ultimately, the truth will be what it is. And the truth will, as the -- it's written in the Bible, set me free, because the truth is that I've done nothing wrong.

KING: All right...

R. BLAGOJEVICH: ...and did the best I could for the people of Illinois and got a lot of real results done for the average ordinary citizen of my state.

KING: Legal analysts say that anything your wife says could be held against you or her in court. Does any of that worry you?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: No. And I understand lawyers and legal analysts, you know, parse things and are concerned about how some things can be taken out of context and twisted. I'm a living example of how things can be taken out of context and twisted and used against you in an unfair way -- and the consequences that go along with that. But, no. I think when you're in a position like the one I'm in, you have to embrace the truth and ride it and know that, at the end of the day, if you have that on your side, this is America and my fellow citizens will have a chance -- who I've always trusted and have always mostly, I think, trusted me -- they'll decide what the truth is. And I know what it is with regard to me and my behavior and my actions and my intentions. And, again, I'm confident that I'll have my opportunity to clear my name.

KING: All right...

R. BLAGOJEVICH: And in the interim, both Patti and I have our lives to live. We've got to rebuild our lives. We have our daughters to raise. And we just need to be mindful that as long as we tell the truth, whatever somebody wants to say, it won't come back and hurt you.

KING: NBC originally wanted you to do the show, naturally. A judge barred you from going to Costa Rica, having seen some episodes -- the primitive setting and everything. What do you make of it? Do you think you -- you'd want to do that?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Well, when I knew that I was offered this and we discovered what this was, I -- I didn't want to do it then. I said yes because it was a way to earn a living and -- and be able to afford our mortgage and keep our kids in the same school that they're going in. And it was a very generous offer by NBC. So in spite of what they wanted me to do, I was willing to do it, because you have to sacrifice sometimes for your children and your family. You should always. And, so, unfortunately, the judge made a decision -- and I respect his decision -- that I shouldn't go. And Patti chose, instead, to take my place. And again, as I said, it's with mixed feelings that I watch her on this program because, on the one hand, I want her to do well; on the other hand, we'd like to have her home and my kids -- my little 6- year-old...

KING: Yes, jeez...

R. BLAGOJEVICH: ...and my 12-year-old, my girls, they miss their mother. She's never been away from them and -- you know, and I'm now Mr. Mom, basically handling these things.

KING: She's also very...

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Yes, Larry. I'm sorry.

KING: She's also very popular. We're going to take a break. And when we come back, we'll talk about the aspect of that program -- who was supposed to get paid, what about charity.

================
=====BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "I'M A CELEBRITY...GET ME OUT OF HERE!," COURTESY NBC============
P. BLAGOJEVICH: My husband is Rod Blagojevich, the former governor of Illinois. And the last few months of our lives, it's been pretty difficult. So, I -- you know, in some ways, I'm going to cry. But after that, the jungle doesn't sound so scary.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Patti! Patti, get up.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: There's a tarantula on Patti's leg.
==========END VIDEO CLIP==============

KING: Participants in "I'm A Celebrity..." Can raise money for a charity of their choice. The Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation was approached to be your wife's charity. Their response is this: "We declined the opportunity because her husband, former Governor Blagojevich, faces federal charges, which include an alleged extortion of our partner, Children's Memorial Hospital. We wish the show and Mrs. Blagojevich the best of luck." A couple of questions relating to that, Rod. You said you were doing -- you would do it for the need for money. I thought the money goes to charity.

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Well, there's -- there's two parts to this. There's a salary that you get paid to do...

KING: Oh.

R. BLAGOJEVICH: ...the program and participate as a contestant. And then there's the charity of your choice. And so, for those who vote for Patti to stay on the program, they have the option to then make a donation to the charity of our choice. We chose Bear Necessities because children's health care has -- was the central part of what I was about as the governor of Illinois. We became the first state in America that gave all our kids health care. Again, there's an accusation against me that's false with regard to what you just suggested. Kids with pediatric cancer is a cause both Patti and I believe deeply and want to be helpful on.

They turned us down and I certainly respect that. It's not surprising. We chose a children's cancer center in Tampa, Florida, that I understand you're familiar with, Larry, because your son lives in Tampa. They are affiliated with the Moffett Cancer Center, have a great reputation, and it's a way for people who want to help kids with cancer, their families, whether it's money for research, or kids having opportunities to do things they otherwise couldn't do because their parents can't afford to help them -- this is a way to help those kids. I hope people participate and make a donation.

KING: Your wife has said making money to support the family is the reason she's doing this. Can you tell us what the salary is?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: I'm not permitted to do that. NBC has a contract with Patti. They have had a contract with me. I should say that we're grateful to NBC for their confidence in us and the opportunity. Patti -- among the reason why she chose to take my place was she felt, as I did, that we had an obligation to meet a commitment to NBC that was willing to give me an opportunity in this process, as we begin to rebuild our lives. So she's doing this because it's a way to earn some income. But also because we felt an obligation to NBC, and, of course, we had a component where we could help kids with cancer.

KING: Is she getting the same you would have gotten?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: She is. I can say that she's doing a heck of a lot better than I could ever do.

KING: She's very popular.

R. BLAGOJEVICH: I hope that's the case. Those of us who know and love Patti know her to be the best person that we know. And I think her contestants, or fellow contestants, are getting to know her. And I think they kind of appreciate her good qualities. She's just a great person. Again, the fact that she's willing to do something like this is all about loving her children and making sure we can keep things as normal for our kids as possible. Albeit this is an unusual way of doing it.

KING: Here's another clip of Patti on the show. Watch.

============(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)============
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Dear heavenly father, we just pray over Patti. We pray over her family. We pray over her husband and everything that's going on, lord. You know the truth. You know that everything that's happened. I pray the truth will be revealed. I pray that he will triumph in your name, Lord Jesus. I pray that you bless him. They will be delivered from this evil and oppression, Lord Jesus. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.
P. BLAGOJEVICH: Beautiful, beautiful.
==========END VIDEO CLIP==========

KING: Rod, your wife has not been charged with any crime, but she was referenced in the federal indictment against you. She was heard cursing on audiotape. Chicago newspapers characterize her as Lady Macbeth. Do you think doing this reality show will help her image? What do you think that image is?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Well, the media and newspapers like to twist things and sensationalize. Yes, she said a bad word because she was angry about the treatment of her husband. And that's not an unusual thing. She doesn't speak like that most of the time. They just caught her in a private conversation, when her telephone at home was wire tapped and bugged. Again, I think people have a chance to see her for what she is on that program. Those of us who know her and love her are blessed to have her in our lives.

If I can just say again, the truth will win out in this. I'm looking forward to being vindicated. As we work through this process as a family, we're not unlike a lot of other families across America. Millions of people have lost their jobs, are being dislocated during these hard times. There are laid off auto workers in Michigan who are rebuilding their lives, retraining as nurses. They're an inspiration to Patti and me. I'm going to stand tall and I'm fighting this all the way. We're going to prevail because the truth is on our side. A huge wrong has been done to me and my family. I want people to know they can be underdogs and fight a system that unfairly treated them. They can prevail and survive. And in the meantime, as you work your way through, stand tall.

KING: Rod, without being repetitive, do you think you, at all -- you, yourself -- made some mistakes in this that led to this? Whether they are legally enough to convict you, were there some parts where you made mistakes?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: You know, again, Larry, I --

KING: Without elaborating.

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Yes, I could say over the years, have I made some mistakes in judgment? Have I put some confidence and faith and reliance on people who ultimately turned out to be people I didn't know or know to be what they were? There's a central figure in this whole case that both President Obama and I had a close relationship with. He sent a letter to a federal judge saying that neither president, then Senator Obama, or me were involved in any wrongdoing with him. Now suddenly he emerges in this case in a different light. Is he the person I thought he was?

KING: Who is that?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: A fellow by the name of Tony Rezko. Again, without going into all the details, sure, I probably put the wrong trust in some people. But in terms of my intentions, what I was trying to do, with regard to the Senate seat, when the truth comes out, I think the American people will find this to be a remarkable story. And again, it's a story that I think will have historic implications.

KING: Let me get a break. The governor used to be a very busy guy. How is he spending time these days? We'll ask after the break.

========(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)==========
R. BLAGOJEVICH: I think there's nothing but sunshine hanging over me. I prefer to be compared to people like Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman and others in history. I will fight. I will fight until I take my last breath.
========(END VIDEO CLIP)=========

KING: Rod, before we ask how you're spending your time, how are the girls dealing with this?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Thank you, Larry, I appreciate you asking. We have two little girls, our six-year-old -- she just turned six on April 5th -- and our daughter Amy is going to be 13 on August 3rd. She is 12 now. They're different ages. So it is different for both of them. Our older one, obviously, is more aware of the circumstances, and the gravity of it and magnitude of it. It's affected her more, in a more complicated way. She's dealing with different issues. But I think for the most part pretty good. Patti, again, has done a great job making sure our kids live as normal a life as possible. They do their routines. Amy skates, goes to school. She plays the oboe and is very active. Our little one is six. She's dealing with it in her own way as well.

KING: Does the 12-year-old ask you about it?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Not that much. She talks to her mother more about it. We've assured her -- we've talked to her in a broad sense about some of this. And the part of what's happened is part of this political process today, in the 21st century, that I did nothing wrong, and that, ultimately, I'll have a chance, with my fellow citizens, to determine what the truth of things are.

KING: How are you spending --

R. BLAGOJEVICH: How am I spending my time, Larry? I'm writing a book.

KING: The governor is pretty busy. Now you're a former governor. You have no occupation. What are you doing?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: That's a good question. You know, somebody asked that the other day. I guess I'm technically an author. I'm writing a book. I have a publisher, and we're working on a book. I'm actively involved in that. It's hard, because I'm writing about a lot of this stuff. Some of it is painful to even think about, much less write about. In the short run, more immediate period, while Patti is in the jungle, I'm now discovering how difficult her life has been on a day- to-day basis, since I'm the primary care-giver with our two little girls. It's amazing how sometimes we take for granted what moms do and parents who care for their kids on a day to day basis.

KING: Can the book come out before the trial, if you're writing openly about everything that happened?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: That's the intention. Yes, of course. Again --

KING: If the book can come out before the trial, why can't you discuss other aspects now?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Well, I -- because there's a court proceeding that needs to be respected. And the book will write about things that will be done in such a way that respects that court proceeding. And you'll have to wait and see ultimately what's in it, and how it comes out. It's still a work in progress. But I wish I could talk about everything I know. I wish I could tell you about the accusations and answers --

KING: I assume you will in your book, though.

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Well, I'll talk a lot about a lot of stuff.

KING: You want people to buy the book?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Well, I wanted to write about the truth. Whether they buy it -- I hope they do. I think there's a lot of interesting things I can talk about. Again, there will be an opportunity in a court of law, with sworn testimony and sworn witnesses.

KING: OK. I got you. We'll be right back. Former governor -- you want to add something? Go ahead quickly.

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Again, I just want to say, I wish I could tell you what I know. I wish I could answer these questions. It's very difficult when you're in a position like I'm in, where people have said things about you, falsely accused you, and the media has decided to rush to judgment and, all of a sudden, the presumption of innocence that we thought was a fundamental right of all of us as citizens was stripped away from you. And then you're taken from your office that people elected you twice by cynical politicians who have their own motives, who wouldn't allow you to bring evidence in to prove you did nothing wrong, wouldn't allow you to bring in taped telephone conversations, every one of them, and let you hear them in a proceeding. And then you're ripped out of that job and the people are left with a governor who breaks a promise that I made not to raise taxes. The first thing he does is --

KING: I got to take a break.

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Yes, sir.

KING: We'll have more on the former governor.

(CROSS TALK)

KING: That's OK. I understand. I'd be emotional too. Our remarkable question of the night is 60 seconds away. Don't go away.

==================
==================
KING: We have a call for Rod Blagojevich from Toronto. Hello.

CALLER: Hi, Larry.
KING: Hi.

CALLER: I just wanted to ask Rod how is he going to deal with the fact that Patti has become so popular and he's used to being the celebrity. I watched Patti the last couple nights. I found her to be a really down Earth mom. It was really nice to see. How is he going to deal with her being the nice one and him being the bad guy?

R. BLAGOJEVICH: Thank you for that. I think great. I love Patti more than I love myself. I would literally die for my wife, of course, my children. You know, it's true, she's -- I've been the governor and the politician and the elected official, and that's kind of where the spotlight is. I have absolutely no problem seeing her pursue her dreams or being the more successful one, or, in this case, the one that is better liked. And if in fact she is better liked, which I think she surely should be, that's the right place to be. She's the better person between the two of us.

KING: We have an e-mail question from Nicole in Bloomington, Indiana. "If you are legally cleared in your lifetime, what would be the appropriate recompense for what you've gone through?"

R. BLAGOJEVICH: You know, when you go through something like this, and you know that you've done nothing wrong, and you're shocked that so many of these things have happened the way they have, and you've been fighting through them, you spend time, when you have the time, as I've had, to reflect a little bit and to think through some of this. You can choose to be bitter and you can be angry and you can choose to just give up and lose perspective. Or you can choose to try to find wisdom in all of this.

I've had a chance to do a little bit of reading during this period of time. And I've read a Greek historian by the name of Edith Hamilton. She wrote a poet named Eschylus during the golden age of Athens, who wrote about suffering and pain. And he said, "even in our sleep, pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart. And in our despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us through the awful grace of god."

I believe there's a purpose for this. Both Patti and I have a deep faith in God. And we've been blessed by the good wishes of people across America who are -- who have sent their best to us. And I have to believe that there's a reason why this has happened the way it has, and that there's still a purpose for both of us, but certainly for me to do things where I can continue to serve people. All of my adult life has been about serving people. And I still think there's a role for me when this is over, where I can play a role to help the average little guy, the way I did when I was governor.

KING: A couple more important things to cover when we come back. Don't go away.

==========
==============
KING: Governor, federal officials secretly recorded a phone conversation between Roland Burris, the current senator, and your brother, Robert, back in mid-November. The tape was released late last month. Let's listen to a brief excerpt and then get your comment.

===========(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)==========
ROBERT BLAGOJEVICH, BROTHER: If you guys can just write checks, that'd be fine, if we can't find a way to tie in.
SEN. ROLAND BURRIS (D), ILLINOIS: OK, OK. Well, we -- I will personally do something, OK.
ROB. BLAGOJEVICH: All right, Roland.
BURRIS: And it will be done before the 15th of December.
ROB. BLAGOJEVICH: OK.
BURRIS: All right.
ROB. BLAGOJEVICH: You're a good friend. I'll pass on your message.
BURRIS: Please do. Tell Rod to keep me in mind for that seat. Would you?
ROB. BLAGOJEVICH: I'll let him know.
========(END VIDEO CLIP)=========

KING: Governor, Senator Burris maintains that that recording is proof he didn't take part in any pay to play scheme to get the United States Senate appointment. What are your thoughts on all of that?

ROD BLAGOJEVICH: Well, you know, I think that tape speaks for itself. It's a fund-raising call. I understand that Roland didn't make a contribution. He had helped in the past. That's a normal part of the process. He's raising money now, presumably, for his re- election, as are all the senators. They do it all the time, all the Congressman. He said no. I made him a United States senator. It's just the opposite of what's being alleged. Again, I can't wait for all the truth to come out about that Senate seat and the decisions I made and the actions I took regarding doing what was right for the people of our state. Yes, Larry?

KING: Are you recommending to the people that they re-elect Senator Burris?

ROD BLAGOJEVICH: I'm not going to interject myself in that. I don't know that I would be doing him any favors if I were to make a suggestion at this point. Again, let me simply say, what's happened to me is wrong. And I did nothing wrong. The truth will come out, and this will be --

KING: I don't want you to be repetitive.

ROD BLAGOJEVICH: I'm not trying to be repetitive. I just want to point out, no one needs to feel sorry for us or feel that somehow Patti and I are giving up. We've had opportunities to rebuild our lives. And this opportunity on "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here" by NBC is very unique. All of these workers who have lost their jobs across America today, very few of them are given those rare opportunities that Patti and I have been given.

So, in many ways, we've been very lucky. Everybody goes through valleys in their lives. That's what the journey of life is. And sometimes how you deal with your valleys suggests whether or not you'll ever be on a peak again. In my life experience, because life is filled with ups and downs, when you're knocked down, you pick yourself up; you dust yourself off' you don't complain. You don't have hate in your heart. You have love in your heart. And you move and look to the future. And you do what Teddy Roosevelt said, which is black hair never catches a rider whose pace is fast enough. You keep moving forward.

KING: By the way, you're not going to believe this, but a lot of Tweets today on our Twitter thing about your hair. They tell me thousands of people want to know who cuts it, how much money would it take to get you to shave it off?

ROD BLAGOJEVICH: I want to plug my barber. His name is Peter, Mr. Barber on Oak. He's a great guy. He cuts Lou Pinella's hair and Mick Jagger actually went to his barber shop when he was here for a concert. I know people make fun of it. Whatever they say, it is what it is.

KING: You like it?

ROD BLAGOJEVICH: I comb it enough. But thank you. I'm a product of the disco era.

KING: San Diego, hello.

CALLER: Yes. Governor, your wife said she was fired from her non-profit job as a result of your alleged acts and behaviors. Are you considering a wrongful termination suit based on this?

ROD BLAGOJEVICH: Thank you for that. There's been discussion of that. We have decided so far not to do it, because it's an organization that helps the homeless. But that's exactly what happened to Patti after the allegations were leveled against me. The not-for-profit organization that she was working at had a one-year contract to help feed the homeless. She was doing an exceptional job. Everybody was saying that, up until the time of my arrest. Then they decided to terminate her. And I imagine they have their own political reasons and others why they did it. It had nothing to do with her work product at all. At this stage, it's not something we're pursuing. And we're moving on. Again, politics is a rough and tumble business.

Dr. King said that when there are difficult times, it's not the words of your enemies that you remember, it's the silence of your friends. And when something like what happened to me happens, people run away. And people don't want any of what you have in their neighborhood. So I think in the respect to Patti's job and the not- for profit that she worked with, they probably felt that they didn't want the headache of some of the baggage that went along with Patti being my wife.

KING: Rod, thank you so much for being with us. We'll be calling on you again. Keep in touch.

ROD BLAGOJEVICH: Thanks. Thanks for having me, Larry. Appreciate it.

Blagojevich to promote 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.'

April 23, 2009

Rod Blagojevich was on The Today Show this morning. His press release:

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich delivered a surprise during an appearance this morning on NBC's 'Today' show by announcing he would be heading to L.A. to promote the upcoming reality program 'I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.'

Earlier this week, a federal judge in Chicago said he would not alter the former governor's bond allowing him to travel to Costa Rica to participate in the show.

"He's mindful and respectful of the court's ruling that he can't leave the country but we're still exploring ways for him to be part of the show," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's publicist and founder of the PR firm, "He wants to be supportive of the program."

Selig declined to elaborate on the options being explored.

The former governor will attend a press event for NBC this Friday, April 24.

Blagojevich had hoped to earn a salary for appearing on the program that airs in June, in addition to raising money for his favorite charity.

Official blago statement re: no Costa Rica

April 21, 2009

Here’s Blagojevich’s written statement:

I respect the judge and his decision. I am trying to find a way to work to support my little girls and family.

I’m fully aware of what the allegations are and I know what the truth is concerning me and I know that I’ve done absolutely nothing wrong.

Blago’s only reality show will be his trial
NBC Statement re: no Blago

Blago’s only reality show will be his trial

April 21, 2009

Rod Blagojevich was denied a once in a lifetime shot at stardom…playing himself.

US District Court Judge James Zagel denied Blago’s request to participate in the NBC reality show: “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” He said he had “sympathy for his financial straits” but didn’t have faith that things wouldn’t not got wrong — even though NBC was willing to pay for two security guards to watch him 24/7.

The Judge went on to say: “I don’t think the defendant fully understands, nor could he understand…the position he finds himself in” and that Blago should spend the time reading the case against him.

But the hairy fox did budge the judge a tad on whether his frozen campaign funds ($2M) might be freed up to pay for his trial. Max cash blago could have made was $123K. Say what you will - underneath that hair is a very clever political brain. The hearing is set for May 1.

And why would blago flee? He would get publicity but he wouldn’t be able to take part in it. And he would have to change his hair, which isn’t going to happen until he goes to prison.

He didn’t even have to show up in court today but he held court with his supporters and the media, smiling and waving. Here are a few:

I know what the truth is concerning me.

This is another day in the big city.

I didn’t let you down!

I’ve done absolutely nothing wrong.

Want to get on TV?

I am innocent of every allegation.

How are you, ma’am? Let me say, hi. [hugged her]

I want to vindicate myself.

Joked about his lawyer, Sheldon Sorosky.

I have great confidence in Shelly. [laughs] Look at him. Look how he’s handling all of you guys by himself!

And he made sure to let folks know that they screw him - he’s going to screw them back…including barry.

I am a lawyer. I am going to be very active. I know a lot of things about me and about how I operate,

I can provide insight on how the system of government works in Illinois.

Best line was about Elvis, of course:

Gotta love NBC though. Elvis has his comeback concert at NBC in ‘68!

NBC Statement re: no Blago
Official blago statement re: no Costa Rica

blago will be on reality show pending judge’s ok

April 14, 2009

NBC press release confirming that Milorad will indeed be a participant on the reality show. It was on in 2003 and I can remember Tyson Beckford, Bruce Jenner and Melissa Rivers. Not sure why Blago is going to be on because the money (~90K) is usually donated to charity. How is he going to keep from using the f-word every other sentence?

NBC press release:

Based on the hit U.K. reality show, “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” is a groundbreaking live series event premiering June 1 and stripped over four weeks in June. Ten celebrities of various backgrounds will be dropped into the heart of the Costa Rican jungle to face challenges designed to test their skills in adapting to the wilderness and to raise money for their favorite charities. Rod Blagojevich will be a participant on the show pending the court’s approval.

Blagojevich on Reality TV?

April 14, 2009

I don't know how this is going to play if in fact it is true. Blago needs money but certainly there has to be another way. And what about the time away from his family? Well maybe he would bring them with him. And if the trial starts this summer?

Here's the story from Chicago Breaking News:

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is in talks to star in "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here," a survival-style reality show set to air June 1 on NBC, sources said.

His attorney, Sheldon Sorosky, told a federal judge Tuesday that Blagojevich soon would be making a request to loosen the travel restrictions placed on him. Such a move would allow the disgraced ex-governor to travel to Costa Rica for the program's filming this summer.

The network describes the show as Swiss Family Robinson-type competition in which 10 celebrities are dropped in the heart of the jungle "to face fun and comedic challenges designed to test their survival skills." American viewers decide which celebrities stay or go, in addition to selecting the challenges used to earn food, supplies and luxury items.

The last remaining star is crowned king or queen of the jungle. The show will have a four-week run, according to NBC.

The show, inspired by a popular British program of the same name, originally debuted on ABC in 2003 and suffered from anemic ratings over its 15-night run. Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband, Cris Judd, won the inaugural competition.

NBC has not released the names of other Z-list celebrities who have agreed to participate. The program's producer, Granada America, declined to comment.

His agent, Glenn Selig has not commented on it.

***

Blagojevich indicted on 19 counts
DOJ Press release announcing indictment
Blago: Fact sheet
Blago: Indictment
Blagojevich statement
Did Burris buy his senate seat directly from barry?
Blagojevich enters not guilty plea
Blagojevich on Reality TV?

Blagojevich entered not guilty plea

April 14, 2009

You can’t help but like Milorad. He gets up and keeps going - taking positive about how he is going to clear his name. He was arraigned in federal court today and entered a not guilty plea to all 19 counts.

Blagojevich’s comments to TV reporters upon exiting:

I’m innocent of every single accusation [shaking head]. I know what the truth is as it concerns me. I’m glad that this day has started because now we can begin the process of getting the truth out and I clear my name and, uh, vindicate myself. I have great respect fot the court system.

Official written statement:

Now we can begin the process of getting the truth out and I can clear my name and vindicate myself. I have not let down my family or the people of Illinois. I am innocent of every single allegation.

More comments: he has not let the People of Illinois down and he will not try his case in the media.

AP

BLAGO: I’m glad this process has finally begun. It’s the end of the beginning in one respect, but it’s the beginning of another aspect , and that is the beginning of my being able to prove my innocence and clear my name.

I want to say this to the people of Illinois. I have not let them down, I never stopped working hard for them, fighting for them, I haven’t let them down and this court proceeding is going to give me a chance to show them that that’s in fact the case.

Blago is free on bond and wants the judge to loosen travel restrictions so he can travel out of the country…for a reality show?

He has only one lawyer at this time, Sheldon Sorosky, who requested the $2M war chest Blago has be freed up to use for his defense. Sorosky has 4-5 additional lawyers willing to sign on as long as they can be paid. Blago’s book - if he ever finishes it - would also provide funds.

Everyone is scheduled to appears before Judge James Zagel again next week.

The Feds are looking to take his house. That is going to piss off some jurors as is going after his wife. Who is going to raise their 2 little girls?

Blagojevich indicted on 19 counts
DOJ Press release announcing indictment
Blago: Fact sheet
Blago: Indictment
Blagojevich statement
Did Burris buy his senate seat directly from barry?
Blagojevich enters not guilty plea
Blagojevich on Reality TV?

DOJ Press release re: Blagojevich indictment

April 2, 2009

DOJ Press release announcing indictment of Rod and Rob Blagojevich, John Harris, Lon Monk, Chris Kelly and William Cellini. Includes a run down of the players and the charges.

Blagojevich was indicted on 19 counts of political corruption including: fraud, conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion, attempted extortion, false statements and racketeering.

John Harris is cooperating with the Feds and is charged with only one count of wire fraud.

Click top right to read magnified or full screen.

Provided by the Chicago Tribune.

View this document on Scribd

***

Blagojevich indicted on 19 counts
DOJ Press release announcing indictment
Blago: Fact sheet
Blago: Indictment
Blagojevich statement

Blagojevich: 75 page indictment

April 2, 2009

Copy of impeached Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich’s 75 page indictment provided by the Chicago Tribune. Blagojevich was indicted on 19 charges of political corruption including: fraud, conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion, attempted extortion, false statements and it racketeering.

Also indicted: Rod’s brother, Rob Blagojevich, two former Blago chiefs of staff: John Harris and lobbyist Lon Monk, Blago fundraiser and long time friend, Christopher Kelly and long time Springfield insider, William Cellini.

Christopher Kelly (who has his own set of separate problems) was indicted on only one count of wire fraud and is cooperating with the Feds. Bad news for Blagojevich.

Click top right to read magnified or full screen.

Provided by the Chicago Tribune.

View this document on Scribd

***

Blagojevich indicted on 19 counts
DOJ Press release announcing indictment
Blago: Fact sheet
Blago: Indictment
Blagojevich statement

Rod Blagojevich indicted on 19 counts

April 2, 2009

Not good. Newly-impeached governor Rod Blagojevich, 52, was indicted on 16 charges of political corruption, including fraud, conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion, attempted extortion, false statements and it wouldn’t be Chicago politics without the charge of racketeering.

Also indicted were folks Roland Burris spoke with: Rod’s brother, Rob Blagojevich, 53, and two former Blago chiefs of staff: John Harris, 47, and lobbyist Lon Monk, 50.

Also indicted were folks involved with Tony Rezko’s trial: Blago fundraiser and long time friend, Christopher Kelly, 50, and long time Springfield insider, William Cellini, 74.

Tony Rezko is named but not charged in the indictment and is already known to have cooperated with the Feds - but unknown as to what specifically.

Chris Kelly is cooperating with the Feds - charged only with a single count of wire fraud.

Blagojevich happens to be in Florida at Disneyworld.

Just arriving is the International Olympic Committee.

***

Blagojevich indicted on 19 counts
DOJ Press release announcing indictment
Blago: Fact sheet
Blago: Indictment
Blagojevich statement

Blagojevich: indictment fact sheet

April 2, 2009

Facts of the case as provided by the Chicago Tribune re: Rod Blagojevich’s indictment on 19 counts of political corruption including: fraud, conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion, attempted extortion, false statements and racketeering.

Rob Blagojevich, John Harris, Lon Monk Chris Kelly and William Cellini. Includes a run down of the players and the charges. Blagojevich was indicted on 19 counts of political corruption including: fraud, conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion, attempted extortion, false statements and racketeering.

John Harris is cooperating with the Feds and is charged with only one count of wire fraud.

Click top right to read magnified or full screen.

View this document on Scribd

***

Blagojevich indicted on 19 counts
DOJ Press release announcing indictment
Fact sheet
Indictment

Pix of the day: barry and blago

March 28, 2009


(Photo)

BARRY: Do you believe we did it, Hot Rod?

BLAGO: Yeah, I told you to trust me. I'm an effing genius. And I've got great hair. You've got nothing but some gray specks.

BARRY: Who's president, Rod?

BLAGO: Who got you there?

BARRY: True.

BLAGO: Now get your man Rezko not to talk to the Feds any more than he already has. He squeals - I squeal.

BARRY: Keep your mouth shut. I've got Pat Fitzgerald in my back pocket.

BLAGO: And I got Burris in the senate.

BARRY: Sure did. Shut that GD Harry Reid up and paid back your buddy Dick for trashing me early on.

BLAGO: Great wasn't it? The effing media has no effing clue what we pulled off.

BARRY: Showed Dick and Harry who's boss right outta the GD box.

BLAGO: You owe me big time for the beating I took.

BARRY: You know I'm good for it.

BLAGO: No I don't.

BARRY: Chill the hell out. Go to prison - give me a year and you'll get your pardon. So don't be talking trash about me in that book. Just make some shit up like I did.

BLAGO: I took the deal cuz I needed a some cash. Any you want to funnel my way?

BARRY: No can do, Rod. They're watching up tight now that Chief Justice Roberts is looking into my GD birth certificate. I wish your bookie friend would have made a better forgery.

BLAGO: I told you they'd look - but you didn't listen. Not everybody loves us, ya know?

BARRY: Speak for yourself. They love my ass. They don't even listen to the crap I'm saying.

BLAGO: Yeah, you got to get rid of that teleprompter. They're on to you.

BARRY: No can do. I don't know any of that shit they make me talk about. That's why I hired all those idiots who stand behind me. And why in the GD hell are they looking at my Selective Service Registration?

BLAGO: Cuz you only gave them a few documents. You give 'em a load of crap, they never look at it all. Should have been obvious like Burris' lawyer funneling you that $50K. Never even looked twice. You get your cash, Roland gets his job, I get my juror.

BARRY: I got your back.

BLAGO: You better. What'd you think about my radio gig? Handed it right to that MF Quinn. Told my jurors he'd raise taxes and he did. Gave me a effing gift is what he did. And the callers loved me.

BARRY: Sorry, don't have time for that shit. I gotta figure out what I'm supposed to do. What's up with this governing shit? I just like to get out with the people so they can worship me.

BLAGO: Ha-ha. You ain't got a pig's chance - lipstick or no lipstick. Send money our way is all you need to do....

Burris appoints Kenneth Montoya & Jose Riveria

March 27, 2009

Senator Burris continues on despite perjury investigations.

He appointed to positions in his Senate office:

Legislative director: Kenneth Montoya

Director of Chicago office: Jose Rivera

Source: AP