Don't Expect Resolution Of Blago Scandal Anytime Soon
If you were hoping for a quick resolution to the question of how to dislodge Blagojevich from office and fill Barack Obama's Senate seat, what with the Illinois legislature convening today to consider impeachment and a special-election bill, don't expect any answers for now.
"Today is gonna be Debate Day," an aide to a top legislative Democrat tells Election Central, explaining that while there is widespread approval for a special election, the actual shape of it is still undetermined -- so nothing much will actually get done today beyond reviewing the various proposals.
There are many questions to consider with a special election: Legislators would have to agree on a timeline for holding it, figure out how to pay for it, and could potentially agree to a compromise measure allowing both a temporary appointment and a sped-up special election calendar. But it's still too early to really get a handle on the situation.
So for now we're still stuck with Blagojevich in office, and Barack Obama's former Senate seat is still up in the air.
i am starting to get tired of this story.
December 15, 2008 12:31 PM | Reply | Permalink
OK. Here's my conspiracy as to what happened.
Once Obama's staff began going through the DOJ, Obama's staff knowing Blagojevich was under investigation wanted to know to what extent.
Well, as they dug more, they found out he was trying to sell his seat to the highest bidder. Obama was counting on having a Democratic Senator in place by inauguration time. If this story broke too late and a nomination were put forth, the first quarter of 2009 would have been overshadowed by this appointment and Obama knew this.
Word of the recordings of Blago was LEAKED somehow to the Tribune. Well, Blago didn't flinch and come forth as was hoped.
At this point, Blago knew he was being recorded and ceased all communications regarding a quid-pro-quo for the appointment.
Well, then Fitzgerald, knowing the details of his investigation had been uncovered, decided to put together what evidence he had and come forth.
And here we are now.
/removes conspiracy glasses
December 15, 2008 12:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Why is the legislature even LISTENING to Blago on an offer to sign a release from his picking the senator?
There is NO excuse for this man to still be in office.
December 15, 2008 12:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
Doing heckuva job, tpmec.
December 15, 2008 12:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
The allegations of Obama's corruption will never cease as long as people like THIS exist in the world.
December 15, 2008 12:48 PM | Reply | Permalink
Such "allegations" will only be taken seriously by people prepared to join the Raelians at their space pod in Canada for the beaming up.
December 15, 2008 1:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Heh. Seriously, did you read that garbage I linked. Malcom X being Obama's dad has to be one of the more ridiculous conspiracy's yet. And how the lady called it the more "plausible" explanation tickles me silly.
You should see the Blago/Obama connections being built on that site. It must be some sort of distribution point for all the conspiracy stories that flood the internet or something.
December 15, 2008 1:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
Since Eric loves them polls so much, here is one from ABC-WaPo.
.http://blogs.abcnews.com/thenumbers/2008/12/obama-the-trans.html
December 15, 2008 1:05 PM | Reply | Permalink