Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Blagojevich free on $4,500 bond

AP:
A federal judge in Chicago has ordered Governor Rod Blagojevich released on his own recognizance after the Democrat was hit with federal corruption charges
.
U.S. District Judge Nan Nolan said "Good afternoon, governor" in greeting Blagojevich at the afternoon bond hearing. The governor was wearing sweat pants, gym shoes and an athletic shirt.

He was released on a signature bond that specifies that he'll forfeit $4,500 bond if he doesn't appear in court. Blagojevich also was ordered to relinquish his passport and his firearm owner's identification car.
Greg Hinz talks about today's news on Gov. Blagojevich:
In Chicago, where knocking down crooked pols is as big a municipal sport as watching the Bears fold in the second half, we're used to tawdry tales of political avarice and greed.

But even we are not used to what Rod Blagojevich allegedly did.

Trying to shake down the president-elect of the United States to put his favored candidate in the U.S. Senate. Demanding that a hospital that specilizes in helping sick kids pony up 50 grand for his re-election in exchange for state help for the hospital. Telling Tribune Co. boss Sam Zell that, if the state was going to help renovate the company's Wrigley Field, Mr. Zell would have to fire members of the Chicago Tribune editorial board who had displeased the guv.

And all of it after two full years in which Mr. Blagojevich and every other sentient citizen of the state knew that he was under federal investigation.

Stupid. Breath-takingly arrogant. Stunning.
The CapFax reports that there is a move to bring about a special election to fill the President-elects former Senate seat. Even Jones is on board with this. Let's not forget that Emil Jones is still state Senate President until the new General Assembly is installed.

Also is there going to be a Fitzmas party in Chicago? Let the readers over at the CapFax now!

The next question is where do we go from here?

ADDITION: The Bench responds to Obama's comments on the news of Gov. Blagojevich.

Also via The Bench a story from the Politco about Blagojevich attempting to single out the Chicago Tribune.

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