Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested by federal authorities today, charged with attempting to “sell” the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. In Illinois the vacancy is filled by the Governor. From MSNBC:
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on federal charges that he brazenly conspired to sell or trade the Senate seat left vacant by President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder.
A 76-page FBI affidavit says the 51-year-old Democrat was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps over the last month conspiring to use the vacant Senate seat to obtain personal benefits for himself and his wife, Patti.
The FBI affidavit, derived from wiretaps, has produced some damaging material for the Governor.
The affidavit contends Blagojevich discussed getting a substantial salary for himself at a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions. It also says Blagojevich talked about getting his wife placed on corporate boards where she might get $150,000 a year in director’s fees.
The affidavit also quotes Blagojevich as saying “I want to make money” in one conversation.
Blagojevich and John Harris, the governor’s chief of staff, were each charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery.
The Governor was arrested without incident, and will be arraigned later today.
Bill Manzi.com 
You Honor,
I assume you were expecting me to reply to this wonderful news.
So as not to dissapoint you, and to reflect on Nancy Pelosi’s arrogant remark that the Republicans had a “culture of corruption”,
I provide this short list of memorable Democratic reprobates in the recent news;
1. Massachusetts State Senator Wilkerson.
2. Boston city councilor Turner.
3. New York Governor Spitzer.
4. New York Governor Paterson-he only cheated on his wife some time back.
5. Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich
6. Blagojevich chief of staff John Harris
Both Ill men tied in with Rezco.
Obama not connected (ha)
Oh, the next time you talk to Pelosi please remind her, “what goes around, comes around”. She can send me her appology through you blog.
There is a god.
Jules
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Your Honor,
I was remiss in not listing William Jefferson, Former member of congress,who gave meaning to “cash on ice”.
Jules
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Your Honor,
Could Charlie Rangle become a member of the reprobates?
Jules
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Neither Spitzer nor Patterson were in the news for corruption, just moral failures. We could probably make a list a mile long of Pubs and Dems for that list.
And Pelosi was just being truthful, she just failed to mention the Democrats have the same culture. Kind of like when George the 1st said “No new taxes”, he meant “Know new taxes.”
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Derek,
Corruption is not a moral failure? Please explain.
I agree with you, corrupt Repubs and Dems would make a long list.
Pelosi wasn’t being truthful as she intended to denegrade the Republicans and present the Dems as honest.
This my revenge.
George Bush the 1st was punished for his transgression.
Derek, I hope you are ready for lots of new taxes.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Jules.
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Mr. Speaker,
Does George the Younger get a pass? Sure, he cut taxes, mostly for guys who already have money, but then spent like a drunken sailor, adding 5 trillion to the national debt, nearly doubling it. They had to add digits to the debt clock on this guy’s watch.
I know where Democrats usually stand, but it’s getting harder for me to identify where Republicans stand.
How much longer do you suppose China will fund this debt, making draconian tax increases necessary? (unless you see another boom in the making. I myself am skeptical).
-FM
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they were only half right…power doesn’t just corrupt, it also makes people stupid.
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Gentlemen,
I do not know where this conversation is going, but the subject is about those actually taken away in handcuffs.
Bush Hate Syndrome is not the issue. Holy cow, guys he’s gone in a about a month and then your new leader can take office and show how it’s done.
Talking about the “One”, how can he hang out with all that evil, hate and illegal activity and not know ANYTHING?
Jules
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A quick comment on Obama. The tapes show anger on the part of the Governor that the President elect would only send his gratitude if a good appointment were made. I am not sure why you would criticize Obama on this when the record shows that the governor could get nothing from the Obama people.
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Jules, corruption is a moral failure, but I meant moral failure isn’t corruption. Neither Spitzer nor Patterson were taken away in handcuffs.
Whether or not people are fit to serve the people despite these moral failures is up to the voters. Spitzer decided to take himself out of the equation and Patterson decided to be up front before taking his place.
Of course, corruption doesn’t take people out of the equation; I still can’t believe the people of Alaska almost voted Ted Stevens back in.
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Your Honor,
My only point here is that President-elect Obama hung around with these guys and claims to know nothing. He is either not telling the truth or has bad judgement.
I will NOT however accuse him of any wrong doing.
However, this will be a mill stone around his neck. And he hasn’t even been sworn in yet.
Even you have to admit that all this Chicago relationship stuff has not gone away.
Jules
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