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

Audio/Text Roland Burris – Rob Blagojevich wiretap

May 27, 2009

Audio and transcript of Roland Burris’ November 13, 2008 telephone conversation with Rod Blagojevich. They discuss fundraising with Rob letting Burris talk and Burris saying he wants to help Rod but it’ll look like play to play. And that if Burris has a fundraiser – it will look like he bought it. But if he doesn’t get – the folks who he raised the money from will be upset.

Nothing in here is damning as far as Blago and pay to play. Something else far worse – yes. The problem with this tape surfacing is a) Burris didn’t mention anything until after he was seated – including in his original affidavit; b) he was adamant about it; c) he submitted a supplemental affidavit only after he knew (despite protest otherwise) there was a recording of him; and d) his ever-evolving story even after the affidavit.

There wasn’t anything technically perjurious about his testimony (video/text) before the Blago impeachment committee either. It just looks bad.

He “tainted” himself.

And what he did say could lead to some serious trouble and not necessarily to him. If anyone ever becomes interested in connecting the dots that are so blatantly obvious, they might just see how pay to play really works.

Transcript provided by Chicago Tribune

Click top right for full page or zoom to read and listen at the same time.

Phone conversation audio starts on page 12 and ends page 15.

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

View this document on Scribd

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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?

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?

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

Did Burris buy his senate seat directly from barry?

March 25, 2009

So did Roland Burris went right around Rod Blagojevich right to barry's coffers to get his senate seat? Timothy Wright III is Burris' lawyer and long time friend. They were both employed at Burris Wright Slaughter & Tom and Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan.

Wright has been handling Burris legal woes and of course was in on the senate appointment from the start. He was sitting right next to Burris, whispering in his ear during Burris's testimony at Blagojevich's impeachment committee hearings and he wrote the affidavits.

And, most importantly, Timothy Wright III donated $50,000 directly to barry's inauguration fund.

Yep. $50K right to barry - no middlemen - no hidden conversations caught on tape - no subterfuge - just cold hard cash. It's so obvious it seems no one cares. I've googled and found nothing.

Roland Burris said: Certainly no play to play involved cuz I don't got the money!

That doesn't mean Wright didn't have it - he clearly did - and he clearly donated it. The matter is whether the money was somehow funneled from Burris.

Where did the money originate? Was there any mixing of funds between Burris and Wright prior to the donation? Did the funds derive from any retainer Burris provided? When exactly was the donation given?

Burris admitted he had campaigned for the senate seat as far back as June 2008. Talks intensified after November 1st. He admitted talking with blago's brother and campaign finance man, Rod Blagojevich, as well as Blago's former chief of staff, John Harris, labor leader and player Ed Smith and Lon Monk and Doug Scofield. Who knows if there are more.

Harry Reid spoke with blago. Valerie Jarrett and Rahm Emanuel spoke with barry and blago and were both interviewed by the feds - as was their fearless leader, barry. barry's campaign co-chair, Jesse Jackson Jr was revealed to be senate candidate #5, who is alleged to have offered cash to blago for the senate seat.

The FEC doesn't list the date when the campaign donation was given. It would be interesting to know if it was given before or after barry whispered in Harry Reid's and Dick Durbin's ear, which directly resulted in Roland Burris being seated.

Presidential Inauguration Committee:
Timothy Wright, Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan, Chicago, IL $50,000

Roland Burris
Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan LLP Of Counsel (2007-09)
Burris, Wright, Slaughter & Tom LLC Of Counsel (2002-07)
Manager/CEO of Burris & Lebed Consulting (2002-2009)

Timothy Wright III:
Gonzalez Saggio & Harlan
Burris Wright Slaughter & Tom
Chief of Staff for Congressman Bobby L. Rush

Burris Wright Slaughter & Tom:
Roland W. Burris II (son)
William H. Farley Jr.
Kevin E. Slaughter
Darryl Tom
Timothy W. Wright
Roland W. Burris

Radio Blago makes debut tomorrow on Don Wade & Roma

March 24, 2009

(2-25) Radio Rod a success!

He's back and sure to blast new Gov Pat Quinn for raising the taxes. Blago will be filling in for Don Wade & Roma, on 3-25 from 7-9am CST on WLS 890-AM. They've had Blago on many times over the years. Blago gave his first post-impeachment interview to them, which kicked off his I wasn't given a chance media blitz. WLS had originally offered him a 2 hour Sunday slot if he would have resigned.

It will be interesting how they screen his calls. He is actually very entertaining on the radio - he's entertaining period.

The complication now is with the Olympic Committee coming to inspect Chicago for consideration for the 2016 games. Blago is set to be indicted on April 7th - his emergency 6 am handcuffed staged for the media arrest resulted in a three month extension to get barry in office and find some actual evidence - four months total. We don't have a chance in hell - though the largest US Arab-American population on the southwest side of Chicago makes a terrorist attack unlikely. The Bridgeview Mosque is where al-Qaeda and Hamas originated.

How many of you know this? How many of you know barry has contributors with connections there through the one and only Tony Rezko? How many of you know that Osama bin Laden's man was there recruiting in the 80's?

Why did Fitzgerald arrest Blago before they had the deal go down?

Answer: barry's people were directly involved including, and most notably, his campaign co-chair and Senate candidate #5, Jesse Jackson Jr.

They have been investigating Blago for years and right when he is about to commit an undeniable felony - they prematurely arrest him?

Press release from Blago's publicist, Glenn Selig:

He's done dozens of interviews since being thrust into the national spotlight--and countless more during his political days. Now, for the first time, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will ask the questions when he takes over as guest host on a top Chicago-area radio station, the PR firm that represents the former governor confirmed today.

Blagojevich will fill in Wednesday morning for the vacationing Don Wade and Roma - "the dynamic duo" on WLS 890 AM.

"He's excited about hosting," says Glenn Selig, Blagojevich's publicist and founder of The Publicity Agency. "He's ready for the challenge and promises to be a fair interviewer. He'll also be tough when he needs to be. He's a talented communicator."

"Broadcasters and the public were witness to his talent when he went national to tell his side of the story," says Selig. "He thinks fast on his feet, is energenic [sic] and knows how to speak about complicated subjects so that anyone can understand what he's saying."

Blagojevich is in the midst of writing a highly anticipated book due out in October. The former governor received a six figure advance.

Blagojevich was a guest on the "Don Wade and Roma" show March 17.

Guests for Blagojevich's fill-in show will be announced later today, Selig says.

Still don't know the guests.

Blagojevich: See…I told you so

March 17, 2009

New governor Pat Quinn is set to raise taxes tomorrow…just like impeached governor Rod Blagojevich said he would. Blago’s press release from PR NEWS CHANNEL:

BLAGOJEVICH: This is exactly what I said was going to happen. It is unconscionable that the new governor, Pat Quinn, wants to raise the income tax by 50% especially at a time when people are hurting and the economy is in shambles.

When Pat Quinn and I ran as a ticket we promised the people not to raise their income taxes. For six years I kept that promise. It took him less than six weeks to break it.

John Ruff alleges Burris quid pro quo

March 7, 2009

Could Roland Burris still be lying?

John Ruff thinks so.

According the the Sun Times’ DAVE MCKINNEY, CHRIS FUSCO & NATASHA KORECKI, Ruff, a political consultant and Burris co-plaintiff in his lawsuit against Jesse White, came forward because he wants to apologize for helping Burris get seated. Burris’ longtime lobbying partner and close friend, Fred Lebed, says he doesn’t remember asking for Ruff to be involved and says Ruff is mad he didn’t get a spot in Burris’ Senate office.

LEBED: Ruff asked what he can do for us. John quickly got upset we weren’t using him more. He was very upset we wouldn’t hire him to be communications director and I don’t know why. He was just way too pushy.

Ruff says Lebed told him that Burris’ contact with Blago people went as far back as October.

RUFF: He mentioned that he was talking to people on the governor’s staff — I believe he had mentioned [lobbyist John] Wyma, [chief of staff John] Harris and [former chief of staff Lon] Monk.”

Nobody’s backing him up:

Harris’ lawyer, Terry Ekl, and Wyma’s lawyer, Zach Fardon, said their clients have no recollection of speaking with Lebed about Burris’ Senate hopes. Lawyers for Monk could not be reached for comment.

They went back as far as June 27 by Burris’ own admittance anyway. When did the wiretaps begin? And Burris’ son got his job on Sept 10th.

So updated version:

No one - > No money anyway ->Blagojevich lawyer only -> Lon Monk -> John Wyma + Doug Scofield + John Harris + Ed Smith + Rob Blagojevich - > Rob Blagojevich raise money = Not one penny + Tried couldn’t + Was not considered for the Senate - > “We’ll have to do some things for the governor”

Why is this anything unusual?

Explains Carville, Begala and all the other Clinton people.

Speaking of which, was Eric Holder part of the deal?

Is that why barry finally spoke up?

Nothing is random in barry’s cosmos. Though one would think he would show a little more deference to the one person who could unusurp him.

Anyway, Ruff provided his telephone records detailing calls between him and Lebed from October to February. They have known each other evidently for a few years and work together in the past. They both admit the calls took place and unfortunately for Ruff, Lebed saved a message in which Ruff calls him a MF. Ruff says he was pist because he didn’t want to get mixed up with Burris’ investigations. (As of this date, he still has not been contacted by investigators.)

RUFF: There is more to be discovered. I know the key to finding the information out is through Fred. That’s the main point I wish to get across.

LEBED: I don’t know what John’s problem is.

LEBED: He’s on a witch-hunt. He’s fabricating all of this.

The call in question allgedly took place on Dec 30th, hours before Blago’s press conference naming Burris as barry’s successor.

RUFF: He called me at 9:04 a.m. We talked for 12 minutes. He called to tell me that Gov. Blagojevich was appointing Roland as senator. I congratulated him and asked him how he managed to pull that one off. And that’s when he made some flippant remark about ‘We’ll have to do some things for the governor.’ “

Does this sound plausible?

RUFF: At the time, I just didn’t give that much thought to it because I did not believe they would agree to do any pay-for-play politics for that Senate seat. But then Roland said down in Peoria, ‘I attempted to raise money but was just unsuccessful.’ My thoughts sort of raced back to that moment and realized there was something more nefarious, perhaps, that had been involved here.

Lebed saved a Feb 17th (the day the perjury and Ethics Committee probes were anounced) voicemail from Ruff:.

RUFF: You MFers, now I’m getting investigated. You can all kiss my f***ing ass, Fred. Don’t you f***ers call me back.

RUFF: I probably sounded a bit like Blago there. I just felt like they were putting a lot of people who tried to help them in harm’s way.

Bottom line:

RUFF: I feel I owe people an apology. I started off believing that Sen. Durbin and Sen. Reid were wrong for denying him this seat. But I’ve come to realize most other people were right and I was wrong about this.

LEBED: He is lying through his teeth. He’s playing you guys.

NBC 5

LEBED: I have never told anyone that there was or should be a quid pro quo or anything owed in return to the former governor for the appointment. These statements are libelous and falsely attack my good name and reputation.

Rep Jack Franks (D) - blago shouldn’t profit if convicted

March 4, 2009

Illinois House member Jack Franks (D) McHenry County has filed a bill designed to keep impeached governor Rod Blagojevich from making any money from his book deal should he be convicted. Thing is Blago needs that money to mount a defense to keep him out of prison.

Black Caucus: “We shall remember this”

February 26, 2009

[reposting - Burris posts just disappeared for some reason]

Chicago City Council members believe the calls for Sen Burris to resign are racially motivated. Dick Durbin used the same thing to get barry elected do he shouldn’t be surprised when it continues. Rep Bobby Rush brought that up the same press conference Burris was appointed. He must have known Burris had made some calls.

Ald Carrie Austin: To just muck up somebody's 30-plus year record of loyalty to the Democratic Party — for all of them to turn turn on him — we say it’s time for this to stop. And if it does not, we shall remember this, at the next election.

Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th), city chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party, said the “anti-Blagojevich hatred” has unfairly been transferred onto Burris.

I would just suggest to those people who seek to run in the wards of the city of Chicago where there are people of color living that they should tone it down because some of us are taking notes. They will run at their peril.

I can't go to the residents of my ward and ask them to vote for someone who, they feel, has disrespected them. And they won't. Remember, we just don't vote for people. It is in our history in modern times when we voted against people. In fact, it's usually easier to get people to do that.

Identity politics are alive and well and not at all hidden. Why is it ok for blacks but when whiteys do it it's racism? Race relations will ever change until race baiting and racial threats stop and it doesn’t appear that will be happening any time soon. What was good for the president is good for anyone else. Guess that’s what he meant by post racial - no need to mince words.

And Blago is banking on the fact that they shall never forget who appointed Burris.