Roland Burris – Rob Blagojevich tape to be released

May 26, 2009

Haven’t heard much about Senator Burris except for that emergency landing. Now he’s completely out from under the radar. US District Chief Judge James Holderman ruled that a taped conversation between Burris and Rob Blagojevich (Rod’s brother and campaign finance man) be released to the Senate Ethics Committee. A conversation that reportedly has Burris saying he’s going to write Blagojevich a “fundraising” check.

Remember the “Certainly no pay-to-play involved ‘cuz I don’t have no money!”?

Why aren’t they looking at the check Burris’ lawyer wrote to barry?

"Leggo My Blago"

April 24, 2009

The adventures of Reality Rod continue. Now Steven Baldwin, one of the reality show frequenter brothers, says he's willing to speak to the judged to help get Rod to Costa Rica. He has an interesting concept for protest. From Blago's publicist, Glenn Selig:

One of the stars of the upcoming NBC reality show 'Help, I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!,' wants to help get former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Costa Rica to participate on the show.

Stephen Baldwin says he's willing to go before Judge James Zagel to get permission for Blagojevich to join him in Costa Rica on the show.

"If there's an opportunity to go before the judge and it would help the situation I would be more than happy to go," Baldwin told the former governor who is in L.A. to help promote the reality program airing on NBC in June.

Baldwin said he believes people are innocent until proven guilty so everyone should still be under the assumption that "he's innocent."

The judge ruled earlier this week that he would not alter the conditions of Blagojevich's bond to allow travel to Costa Rica for the reality show.

"I would love for Blagojevich to be on the show," Baldwin says. "He would add intensity and spice."

Baldwin, also in L.A. to help promote the new show, says he will start wearing a handmade button on his lapel during interviews that proclaims 'Leggo My Blago.'

With the role of the former governor in the new NBC reality show still unclear, Blagojevich's publicist welcomed the support of the Hollywood actor.

"I think it's great that a Hollywood star like Stephen Baldwin is behind the governor," says Glenn Selig, founder of the PR firm, The Publicity Agency (www.thepublicityagency.com), which represents Blagojevich. "Rod really appreciates his support."

Blagojevich is in Los Angeles with Baldwin and other stars to help promote the upcoming reality show, which he hopes to still have a role in at some point.

He would also add alot of expletives. Check out his "flying" and see his forehead.

Blago and his wacky LA adventures Day 1

Blagojevich on the Today Show (4-23)

April 23, 2009

Milorad was on the Today Show this morning to discuss his not being able to be on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.’ Afterward he flew to LA to hype the show and hasn't ruled out being involved in some other capacity. Viera touches on his case and stops just short of asking him if he's in touch with reality.

Viera was extremely rude and dismissive. What does she know about the case? Has she been talking to Patrick Fitzgerald?

She doesn't even have the grace to treat her guest with respect. The venom and condescension leaks from her. It's sad how she cannot even keep her feelings to herself while she does her job. It's why folks think of the Today Show as nothing more that a visual talking tabloid.

Selected parts. NBC video doesn't embed - nothing in You Tube.

BLAGO:

But I'm not ruling that there may be a possibility to play a role in some capacity on this program....I guess the judge did save me from eating bugs.

VIERA:

A lot of people are wondering why a former governor would want to be on a show like this? Why would you want to be running around the jungles of Costa Rica?

BLAGO:

I have two little girls and we have a mortgage to pay. I'm obviously looking for a new line of work as I work through the process of proving my innocence, which I firmly assert is in face the case.

It seemed like an exciting opportunity. It was an idea that was presented to me - it's not an idea that I had.

And he idea of being in a jungle, toughening it out, and sort of creating a little civil society with other people, and seeing how you can govern that society is not that unlike what it was like when I was the governor of the 5th largest state in America.

VIERA goes into the case against him like he doesn't know.

Do you fully understand the position you're in?

BLAGO:

Of course I do....you can't help but not appreciate the circumstances and potential consequences.

Then he gets tripped up. (4:20)

But I know what the truth is concerning EMPHASIS me. NOD And I BLINK know BLINK I've BLINK done BLINK absolutely, pause, SHAKES HEAD nothing, uh that, BLINK BLINK, uh, RAISES EYEBROWS, CAN'T GET THE WORD OUT illegal.

I never intended to violate any law. And that when the full story and the truth comes out I expect to be fully vindicate and clear my name.

In the meantime, I have to suppport my children and my family. And if it means going into a jungle and having to eat some bugs, it's just a testament to how much I love my kids.

VIERA:

What about you credibility? Do you worry that it is going to be further eroded...?

BLAGO:

I can't control what some people might think...there's a presumption of innocence...give me a chance for the court proceedings to show that what is being said is not in fact the case.

I appreciate the judge. He's right. I should focus on my case and my defense and proving my innocence and this will be a chance to do it...In the meantime...I need to make a living and support my children and my family.

VIERA:

Had you been allowed to go on that show would you think you would have won?

BLAGO smiles and likens it to an election [jury trial] and that it's up to the people.

It's like elections - I never predict the outcome. You just do the best you can and trust the judgment of the citizens.

VIERA:

Well, maybe you've got another show in your future. [smirks and laughs]

She really is a rude woman. No matter what you think about Blago, he has been found guilty of nothing and they ripped him apart for months for the sake of barry.

I believe without a doubt that Roland Burris bought his senate seat directly from barry. My personal view courtesy of the First Amendment. And he did it in plain view of the FEC, the press, the GOP and the world.

Burris' long time friend and co-worker, the man who whispered in his ear at the impeachment trial, the man who wrote the affidavits before and after Burris' ever changing testimony donated $50K to barry. $50K to barry's inauguration, which was markedly out of character to his previous donations. He had actually donated to Hillary Clinton before he did barry. Go look. His records are right there for all to see, which I went into in a previous post - link below. I wish I knew the exact timeline to compare to the whisper in Harry Reid's ear and the donation of the $50K but the FEC doesn't keep dates (that I could find). But it's right there in plain sight and not a word has been said or question raised.

FACT: the Senate was not going to seat Burris and then barry chatted up Reid and Burris got seated. It was the first time barry did anything personally in his official capacity. Something that is clearly 100% out of character for him. Burris wanted to be seated. barry said seat Burris. Burris was seated. Burris' lawyer gave $50K to barry. Put it together however you like.

Cosmic karma has it's way of arriving at interesting and inopportune moments.

Maybe Sheldon Sorosky is a little more observant than Sangamon County State's Attorney John Schmidt.

And as much as the media stooges love barry and want to discredit anyone non-sympathetic or potentially tarnishing to him - they seem oblivious to the fact that Blago holds the key to barry's future. He knows what barry has done, how much money he's taken and can outline everything barry has done through REZKO and has threatened to tell all in his book. They keep putting the squeeze on his wife and he's going to protect his family barry be damned. That's why the Feds have been working so hard on REZKO. They want to make credible a convicted felon, whose indictment barry was named in and whose $250K dirty donations had to be gotten rid of, so he can rebut whatever Blago might potentially say about barry.

REZKO is the middleman who connects them. BLAGO < - > REZKO < - > BARRY.

And then there's the fact that barry's closest advisors Rahm Emanuel, Valerie Jarrett (and ?) and former barry campaign chair Jesse Jackson, Jr were in employed in official capacity when they talked with blago - however innocently - about the senate seat.

It's all as filthy as barry - a man I can no longer tolerate. Save your breath Secret Service. He's not worth doing anything to other than document his lies. The press obviously has no interest or intention of doing so and you have no interest in telling us exactly who is it you are protecting.

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

Blagojevich on Reality TV?
Blago’s only reality show will be his trial
NBC Statement re: no Blago
Official blago statement re: no Costa Rica
Blagojevich to promote ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.’

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

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 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

NBC’s statement re: Blago, no show

April 21, 2009

NBC Statement:

NBC is disappointed in the court’s decision today regarding Rod Blagojevich’s participation on “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!,” but excited about the casting announcement for the show this Friday. There are no plans to move the show to a location in the United States.

In other words they used blago for publicity and to attract more Z listers: Geraldo Rivera, reality TV star Heidi Montag, and American Idol mohawker Sanjaya Malakar.

Blago’s only reality show will be his trial
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?

Rod Blagojevich arraignment tomorrow (4-13)

April 13, 2009

Blago and his fundraiser brother, Rob are expected to enter a not guilty plea when they are arraigned tomorrow in federal court.

William Cellini, former Blagojevich chief of staff, John Harris, and Christopher Kelly, who is cooperating with the Feds will be arraigned Thursday.

Previous Chief of Staff Lon Monk, who is also cooperating with Feds is set to be arraigned April 24.

Blago was initially arrested on December 9th for conspiracy to sell barry's senate seat. Nobody cares that Burris bought it from barry for $50K. Milorad was formally indicted April 2nd on 19 counts of political corruption including conspiracy, racketeering and wire fraud. Two of his lawyers have already quit and the judge has not yet ruled whether he will be able to use the $2M he has in his war chest.

***

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 statement re: indictment

April 2, 2009

Rod Blagojevich is at Disneyland with his family. Written statement provided by his publicist, Glenn Selig.

BLAGOJEVICH: I’m saddened and hurt but I am not surprised by the indictment. I am innocent. I now will fight in the courts to clear my name. I would ask the good people of Illinois to wait for the trial and afford me the presumption of innocence that they would give to all their friends and neighbors.

The governor is not in Chicago and will not be doing any interviews. He is spending family time with his wife and kids during spring break. They ask that you respect their privacy.

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.

***

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

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

yo barry - that effing blago is gonna talk

February 1, 2009

EMANUEL: I'm telling you barry that GD MFing blago is ready to talk and your pal rezko wants out of solitary. That happens - we're all going down. effing rezko's gonna tell those MFs about all that foreign cash coming out of Gaza and Syria. The GD Feds don't get me - my own GD people will. I'm telling ya - he's ready to talk. He's gonna spell out your effing connections to that GD Bridgeview Mosque and some MFing serious shit is gonna happen. No effing way I'm going down, too, MF.

BARRY: I don't wanna hear about it. Ain't my problem no more.

EMANUEL: Uh-huh MF. It sure the hell is. Fitzgerald got rid of what he could but that MFing blago says he's got his own GD tapes. GD MF was out there saying you should fire me because I gave him the MFing idea.

BARRY: You did.

EMANUEL: No effing way they can prove that.

BARRY: Are you sure?

EMANUEL: Eff no. And what's MF Jesse Jr gonna say? That stupid MF knows every GD thing. He was one pist off MF when he heard he wasn't even one of your effing picks. He sold out his own GD pops to save your scrawny ass. He's looking for something.

BARRY: I had nothing to do with that, Rahm - got it? I went back on FISA so Fitzgerald was covered with those tapes. He owes me. My name is never gonna come up.

EMANUEL: Effer's gonna do what he has to save his MFing ass. He's going down no matter what. And the effing Rev's been waiting to fry your ass.

BARRY: Take care of it.

EMANUEL: FU barry. I ain't going down for this shit alone. No effing way.

BARRY: Shut your ass up and stop the damn whining. I'm the president. I'm the king of the GD world. I don't have to take your shit no more - got it? I got Secret Service watching my ass. You don't. You don't like it - quit. They ain't never gonna throw my ass out of office. Never. You're one shove away from being gone. That's why I picked you.

EMANUEL: FU.

BARRY: Take care of it.

EMANUEL: I'm gonna need some cash...

BARRY: You know where to get. Now leave me alone. I need my adoration.

EMANUEL: Yes, boss.

(Photo)

Impeachment won't strip blago's pension

January 26, 2009

I don't know how much he made in the last week but his wife has lost her $100K/yr job and he's about to lose his $177K. On the bright side - even if he is impeached he will retain his governor's pension. All they can do for now is kick him out of office and ban his return. If he is convicted in criminal court, the state pension board can do what they did with Gov Ryan and deny him his pension. He's not eligible to receive it for 3 more years (age 55). And even then he has his Congressional pension. Pat Quinn has already warned him that he's going to have to find a way home himself - even though it's customary for the governor to retain his security detail for a year. What remains to be seen is if he will attempt a final eff you as far as pardons, etc.

Good article by LEIGH CALDWELL on the actual financial breakdown of the cost of a senate seat. Tongue-in-cheek conclusion: "Rod Blagojevich was just too honest to sell the seat for its maximum possible value."

comments on blago's impeachment trial

January 27, 2009

A few selected comments after the trial ended for the day.

Cindy Canary, Illinois Campaign for Political Reform:

I look at the governor these days and I think of Britney Spears when she was unraveling - so it's very hard to know what's gonna go on.

State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline):

What he did may have been greasy - but I'm not sure it's criminal.

Senate President Cullerton:

What we're hearing is only one side so far, and I think it would be in the governor's best interest that he would come to Springfield and defend himself.

Unsaid on camera?

That effing Milorad is sticking it to us if front of the whole effing world again. Eff him!

Anyone ask barry what he thought about blago's media blitz?

was blago a bookie?

January 13, 2009

Robert Cooley, a Chicago Police Officer turned mob lawyer turned federal informant says blago was corrupt decades ago. Cooley was involved in Operation Gambat in the late 80's - early 90's, which resulted in the prosecution of 24 corrupt politicians, lawyers, judges and police officers.

He alleges that before blago got into politics he was a bookie. That he was running a sports gambling operation in the Western Suburbs and paying street tax to the Mob via Robert "Bobby the Boxer" Abbinanti. Name right out of central casting. He was convicted as was his boss, Marco "The Mover" D'Amico (check out the pix 2:00).

Cooley said he predicted 5 years ago that blago would sell whatever position he could.

He evidently told this to ABC 7 (Chicago) and they didn't run with it because Cooley didn't want to be identified and of course Gov Rod denied it.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRh8IMNhndI]

courtesy of saluki420

COOLEY: The biggest problem you have ,and the reason the city can never be cleaned up, is when the people in power have the money and have the ability to silence the media so the media will not report it. As long as that goes on, it will never change.

blago's lawyer, Ed Genson's response via Chuck Goudie (ABC7):

If Robert Cooley wants to Springfield tomorrow to testify, I would be delighted to cross examine him on these outfit gambling allegations.

The next day 1-9-09

Bobby the Boxer denies any involvement with Blago. Note: Cooley said he used to represented Abbinanti when he was still a mob lawyer. And Abbinanti spent 6 yrs in prison for running illegal gambling operations. He talked with Chuck Goudie by phone and said he is now a legitimate businessman and owns a window company.

VIDEO

My name is Bob Abbinanti. You did a report yesterday with Robert Cooley pertaining to Mr. Blagojevich stating that I was a bookmaker and that I took a street tax from him in the late 80's.I don't know what Rod Blagojevich did or has done but I do know one thing. I never met the man. I never spoke to the man. I never had any business - personal or in any way with him and you know what, it's just an injustice to myself being put in that position because Mr Cooley wants to get back and write another book or get back on TV.

And then Goudie adds:

It should be noted that Mr. Blagojevich's former campaign manager, top fundraiser and close friend Chris Kelly has just decided to plead guilty to tax fraud. Kelly will admit next month that he failed to report $1.3 million in income from sports betting.

There's a lot more to Chris Kelly than that. He was involved in Rezko's trial as Individual B. Blago was individual A and barry was "unnamed politician" allegedly involved with Individual D - Aramanda, whose son worked as an intern (on the recommendation of Rezko) in barry's senate office. It's not worth finding the links from the old blogs because no one cared about it before so why would they now?

Kelly and Blago from Chicago Trib's COEN & CHASE:

The two men, both from working-class backgrounds, became fast friends after meeting outside a fundraiser in the 1990s. After Blagojevich decided to run for governor, Kelly took on a significant role in the campaign as an aide and eventually became Blagojevich's campaign finance chairman.

After Blagojevich was elected, Kelly became chairman of the governor's campaign fund as it raised millions of dollars for the governor's re-election bid. Even after stepping down from that post in August 2005, Kelly remained close to Blagojevich and continued to act as a right-hand man for the governor's fundraising operation.

And here's what blago said about Kelly back in June 2008:

Chris Kelly is my friend. I am saddened to hear these allegations about Chris' personal life. I know the pain it must be causing him and his family. . . . In fairness to Chris, I believe it is important to let the legal process play out and not rush to judgment.

Is Kelly saying this about Rod or is he talking like Rezko?

Anyway Kelly's charges - tax fraud - (a tad more than Geithner)

Prosecutors and officials from the Internal Revenue Service and the FBI said Kelly, a former adviser to the Blagojevich administration on gambling issues, cheated on his taxes to pay gambling debts, under-reporting his income between 2000 and 2005 by more than $1 million. He is also accused of causing two corporations he directed to under-report their income by $300,000. Kelly wagered millions of dollars with one undisclosed bookie and additional millions of dollars at Las Vegas casinos, according to the indictment.

And his gambling buddy? Rezko. Rezko knows more about politics in Illinois than probably anyone because he has had a hand in all of it: City of Chicago, Cook County and State of Illinois. And the folks he got the money from were Arab Americans - many from Palestine. From Sun Times' KORECKI & FUSCO:

Rezko gambled in Las Vegas with business associates and people he met in political circles, including Christopher G. Kelly, a fellow top fund-raiser for Gov. Blagojevich, sources said. A lawyer for Kelly, who is facing federal tax charges tied to gambling, declined to comment. Rezko allegedly accumulated $450,000 in debts to Caesars Palace and Bally's Hotel Casino between March and July 2006. He passed nine bad checks and got hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash or gaming chips in return, Roger said. The bad checks, written on Rezko's Broadway Bank account, were for amounts ranging from $15,000 to $120,000. Bellagio LLC won a civil judgment against Rezko for failing to repay $331,000 in gambling markers.

barry -> Rezko -> Kelly -> Blago -> barry.

But barry knows nothing...he just made a boneheaded mistake...he managed to navigate Chicago politics without being tainted...he's only guilty by association...Folks y'all are in serious need of a reality check.

How long before barry says he didn't know about Holder and blago?

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