- FBI agents arrested Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris today on federal corruption charges alleging that they tried to benefit financially in exchange for Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat, among other things. Gov. Blagojevich has the sole authority to appoint Obama's successor. — CBS
- The executives of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are on Capitol Hill today, testifying to Congress about who's to blame for the mortgage giants' collapse and the September government takeover. — AP
- After a calm funeral for the teen shot by police whose death sparked three days of rioting in Greece, violence broke out in the southern Athens suburb. In central Athens, thousands also confronted police. This is the worst rioting seen in Greece in years. — New York Times
- Mexico's top prosecutor says drug-related murders will likely increase next year in Mexico, after new numbers show they doubled in 2008 to a total of 5,400 deaths. — BBC News
Catherine Malandrino
When I first saw this picture I thought it was Steve Carell...
1G Rod made comments yesterday that "i dont have a cloud over me, i have only sunshine... people can record me speaking whenever they want, because everything i say and do is legal and i have nothing to hide..."
2Maybe if Steve Carell, like, OD'ed on some Big Macs and was kicked in the nuts (he has a high nasal-y voice)
.
3You know anyone who hangs out with Rezko has some shady dealings.
4Trying to sell a Senate seat??? Then get caught??? Priceless.
5Why would you even try to seel a seat and think you can get away with it, someone took a sip of the Nixon juice.
6What an unbelievable moron.
We get it organic. You don't trust Obama.
7Frankly, I'm surprised everytime a politician isn't doing something underhanded. Looks like Blagojevich just isn't very good at it.
8Isn't this politics as usual for Chicago?
9Harmony, I get that you're not amused by Organic's comments, but calling him a moron isn't necessary
10LOL mich. That would be BLAGO. BLAGO is a moron. I'm really ashamed that he's my governor. He also looks so slimy.
11lol michelin.
12Harmony, this is totally gonna help our Olympic bid, isn't it?
13I honestly think at this point we should let the Olympic bid go. We can't afford it!
14I'd like to see Indianapolis make an Olympic bid. They could totally do it.
15What a dumbass, and I'm sure that some idot is going to try and find a way to blame Obama himself for this!
16Is that his real hair?
I wonder what BO has to say about this probably the same as me which was "Cmon dude, seriously?"
17It would be great if they went about the bid the right way, but I think you're right--we can't afford it.
18This was my dad's e-mail to me this morning (I'm from Kankakee - hometown of the previous governor, now residing in a federal prison!) ...
"If you want to deny your Illinois origins, it’s OK with me. I would if I could. This guy is disgusting."
My dad is extremely nice, so this is pretty harsh, for him.
19Wow. Really?
20valancy - I'm guessing ya'll don't have much lucky with governors. huh?
21Make that luck not lucky.
22im sorry but this guy LOOKS like a slimeball - is that a wig?
23LOL I was wondering the same thing yy.
24It could just be follicles of Trump-ian proportion. Wouldn't surprise me if it was his real hair, though.
25Maybe he and Trump have the same hairstylist?
26starangel, I don't know what it is ... they get to the big seat and they go nuts! We had some inoffensive governors in the 80s/90s but that's going back a ways!
And yes, my dad really is that nice. For him, this like calling someone an a$$hole.
27Great minds Em!
28Anything for an extra buck. How do we elect these people over and over again? I feel like we're governed by sociopaths.
29I think we are pop.
30valancyjane, I have a secret crush on your dad!
31Wow, what an idiot?
32Great minds indeed, bluesarah
33"Frankly, I'm surprised everytime a politician isn't doing something underhanded. Looks like Blagojevich just isn't very good at it."
Agreed, Mich, part of me thinks this guy is probably one of the more better ones to elect since he is stupid enough to get caught.
I mean selling a senate seat, having phone conversations about how much money you want and wanting to become president and forcing people to give you jobs? Seriously? My brother is more slick when comes home after curfew!
34So who appoints the new senator now? This could cause that issue to be dragged out in court, if the legislature moves to take the decision away from the governor.
35Lieutenant Governor, I believe.
36Stephley that's a good question. I'm guessing if the charges go through this guy won't be governor much longer, so does anybody (HF?) know how Illinois decides who's next in line for his seat?
37When I worked for Senator Durbin I got to hang around the governor a bunch... and he always seemed like a nice, family man
Back then though we were all trying to get a little guy named Obama elected as senator 
38I have to admit mich...I have no idea.
39I would imagine Em is right, I just don't know whether Ill. has a Lieutenant Governor.
40Apparently we do, and his name is Pat Quinn. (Sorry, I'm surrounded by people who have been following this story like crazy all day! I'm learning new things by the minute over here).
41I think he can still appoint a senetor from jail actually...
42from ABC news - seems like unless he is impeached he can still appoint anyone he wants and the appointment would be valid immediately, even if it is from his jail cell.
"Illinois law allows Blagojevich to make an appointment while in jail. While the decision would be a disaster for Democrats politically, no one is ruling out that prospect. Any candidate appointed by the jailed governor would be immediately tainted, and would face immense hurdles winning on their own in 2010.
Blagojevich could also appoint a caretaker to the seat, but that also would not bode well for Democrats politically. Having a sitting Democratic senator from Illinois appointed by a jailed governor would hurt the party’s chances of holding the seat in 2010.
Lieutenant governor Pat Quinn would take over if Blagojevich was forced to step down. He’s from the progressive wing of the state Democratic party, and is very close with Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)"
43Thanks Zeze. Let's hope this guy isn't enough of an a** to try and appoint somebody from jail.
44I knew there would be people trying to some how bash Obama for this...luckily I had the foresight to copy a quote from the article I read.
"Blagojevich allegedly told an associate he knew Obama wanted a specific Senate candidate but "they're not going to give me anything except appreciation." He finished the remark with an expletive."
Nothing but appreciation...just as it should be.
45Jill I don't think anybody here seriously blames Obama, or even thinks Obama has anything to do with it.
46Even if anyone did think Obama had someting to do with this, I think even those who don't like him would admit Obama is wayyyyy smarter than to tell this guy anything of importance.
47he really does resemble steve carell with about 100 big macs in his system! hahaha!
48Well, if I know anything about Pat Quinn, it's that he's ready for this kind of responsibility.
49For one thing Rod is still pissed at OB for not letting him have a big speaking role at the convention - he wasn't even invited to the Chicago party in Grant park for OB celebration - so, I think there is no love lost there. Second, Rod has a 19% approval rating and the guy wanted to run again for reelection when told he shouldn't. I think he knew his time was up and he was trying his best to get all he could before he left.
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