Log In | Register
U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has filed a motion seeking a 90-day extension to return an indictment against the governor of Illinois.
U.S. attorney wants more time to indict Ill. gov
Seeded on Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:16 PM EST
Article Source: msnbc.com- Enjoy this article? Help vote it up the 'Vine.
- Public Discussion (104)
History has shown when the US Attorney must ask for extra time to get a case ready for Court it is a very weak case. It will be interesting to see if that proves to be true with this highly public case.
- 5 votes
I have a tendency to believe, from what knowledge I have obtain about this situation, that the U.S. Attorney wants more time to instigate additional charges.
If that is the case, give him all the time he needs to lock this thug away.
- 2 votes
That's a nice way of saying, now that Fitz pulled the trigger to early to protect someone, he has to go back and fix his story. He cold have waited until the deal was closed and made his move. I just cannot see any reason why he jumped the gun unless he was afraid of who would get caught up in this.
- 2 votes
The press has been speculating that Fitzgerald had a weak case when they arrested Blagojevich. Asking for an extension just proved them right.
Unfortunately if an extension was given, then that would mean any prosecutor with no case at all could keep asking for more time while the person (innocent until proven guilty) sits in jail waiting for their speedy trial guaranteed by the US Constitution.
I agree with historian, but I'd have to assume the case is somewhat weak because of the simple fact that the whole scenario came to light before any actual transfer of fund contributions or appointment of the person allegedly doing so took place. In a way they sort of shot themselves in the foot instead of letting it all play out and having the real definitive evidence. While just about everyone probably believes Blagojevich is guilty as sin of attempting to manipulate others, talking about it is one thing, being caught actually doing it is another. One can only hope that some of these people who have allegedly come forward have real evidence that will settle this charade.
- 1 vote
If worse comes to worse and no hard charges can be won in a court of law, there is always a charge of conspiracy, and that charge is easier to prove, even with what evidence they do have. And with that lowly charge alone he can be still be removed from office.
- 1 vote
No kidding! Indict, and then amend the initial pleading to add more charges, more parties, etc., but indict and find out whether the thing will stick or forget it.
- 1 vote
Can the US Government do anything right? No wonder we're in a Depression!
- 1 vote
I hope he defends himself and beats the charges. These guys are all giving things in order to get things. I hope he rats on every single one the guys that do this all the time. Obama I am sure was right in the middle of this as well. He had no discussions with the guy about his former seat? Give me a break. There is not one politician on the planet that would not want to have his seat filled by someone he owed a favor to. Lets see Hillary gets picked for a cabinet spot, her campaign debt is taken care of and she supports Obama. Funny, she did not just say she was a better pick for president than Obama - she said Obama was not ready and could not do the job. Obama acts like he had no idea that this Governor was this type of person - Obama had no idea of Mr. Ayers or Rev. Wright either. Can Obama ever give just a straight answer to anything? I am not picking on Obama - just saying that they are all the same and I doubt there is anything going on here that does not go on all the time. I am in favor fo fixing this if we fix it across the board. I am not so excited to have a couple people thrown under the bus here and there in order to make us think that they are fixing the problem.
- 1 vote
Not necessarily so. When a case is suddenly much more complex than originally believed prosecutors routinely ask for more time to examine more evidence and check out more witnesses. This is also a sensitive case as it brushes up against the very president-elect and his cronies. It is obvious the findings of the internal report of the Obama team isn't all there yet. Why would Blago say Obama wouldn't play if he hadn't discussed the possibility with him or his crew?
They should have all the time they need to review all the tapes and talk with all the witnesses who are not coming forth--something they could not have originally anticipated. This will also extend the investigation into the time of the New Administration which could prove interesting.
- 1 vote
If Fitzgerald pulled the trigger too early it is just because he knew with a new administration Obama would just sweep the whole thing under the rug and silence Fitz however (and I do mean however) he could.
He had to act before he was replaced by an Obama supporter.
After all the fuss made over the 6 prosecutors Bush replaced (after Clinton had replaced them all), it will be interesting to see how fast Obama replaces Fitz--the extension may just be to keep Fitz in the limelight so it will be more embarrassing for Obama to take him out until this matter is resolved.
The public should demand that the tough and unbiased Fitzgerald be allowed to remain in office after Obama takes over--otherwise he will be gone and all the evidence and witnesses that might implicate the big O will be gone forever--count on it.
- 1 vote
Oh please the guy is a Bush Appointee and he is milking this for the Republicans who want to use it to get a special election so they may be able to push some low life Republican in. Blako's attorney wants to call Obama's staf as defense witnesses which hardly means they could help the prosecution. Do a litlle checking Obama and Blasko are not friends. Contacts with him on the Senate seat are natural because he was going to appoint the successor. He got that. i find Republicans with their panties all in a knot amusing.
Do not forget Fitzgerald passed the test for prodecuting the opposition. The ones that stayed straight Bush got rid of.
- 1 vote
One reason why Fitzgerald jumped the gun was because the Chicago Tribune (or whatever Liberal Rag) was about to expose the investigation and share all of the intricate details with the public. They wanted to protect BO. They don't want to see the messiah be brought down before the inauguration!! Bull crap!! If BO is in the mix of all this, then he needs to come forward.
That crap about an internal investigation, interaction between BO's people and Blago, what the heck do you expect them to say: Greg Craig, "Obama and his team have completed an interna investigation into this matter with Blago and it has been determined that while we did talk with Blago, we did not inhale!"
"Oh, sorry, I mean we did not know that Blago was trying to sell the senate seat left open by Barry. However, we did recommend our 1st choice for the seat as being Valerie, and we did promise in return a choice job."
You know how we know that Barry Obama spoke with Blago about this, because Rahm Emanuel said he did. And why on earth would Rahm Emanuel lie about a conversation?? Rahm had no reason to mis-state the truth. BO gave him a plush job!! Why would he want to lose it??
Another reason why he jumped the gun, I believe as others, who posted earlier, that he jumped the gun because he was protecting BO. What kind of bullsh !!t is that??
Wow... does anyone out there know who the Special Prosecuter was that convicted Lewis "Scooter" Libby (Dick Cheney's former Chief of Staff) in the Valerie Plame case? You guessed it... Patrick Fitzgerald. You better do a little checking logdump before you start with the "Oh those horrible awful Republicans" drivel.
Mr. Fitzgerald has a record that speaks for itself. Nope, the Democrats will have to struggle with this mess so try not to get your panties in a knot, big boy.
- 1 vote
Americans are looking for their freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan?
Does it look green, white and black? Does it drink German Beer? Does it hang out with Donald Rumsfeld? Does it involve Bush Standing on the rubble from WTC with live people trapped under it? Does it require to bailout Communist US companies with the money from the next generations down? Does it need to be delivered with Osama's head? Does it need to have last lady to speak on behalf of her ex-husband? Does it need to have many countries to hate US for invasion of Iraq with false info and hidden agenda to get oil?
It's not there!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-cfMlPZ6KI
Why not prosecute Bush and the rest of Neocons for lies and bailout of US Communist Companies?
Alex M, I don't recall any of the clintons (who happen to reside in New York) at Ground Zero for a couple of weeks after 9/11.
It was clinton that put the US in the mess we are now. If the WTC were not attacked a 2nd time (remember the first WTC bombing in '93 by the same radical islamic muslim groups?) then there would not be a war in Afghanistan & Iraq.
Bush never was at the groun zero!
If he did, he would have mesothelioma problem!
Bush went to Iraq because his Dady asked him to!
Remember commercial from 2000 that said, "my dad and I wear same size of pants." That was a hint the Iraq would hve happen anyway because of Bush.
Iraq has its right to Sovereignty since it had nothing to do with 9/11 nor had WMDs.
Who are they kidding. They are giving him time to run or hope we forget. He is one of them after all.
- 1 vote
#2 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:29 PM ESTNope. They need more time to work out a deal with Rezko. Ultimately, Rezko will be the one who will "FRY" Balgo. Not the Blago comments they have on tape.
#3 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:46 PM ESTOr he will "turn" the Gov and there will be a whole lot more revelations.
Bloggo is probably just the tip of the iceberg (cashberg?)
That is my bet why Fitz wants more time.
- 1 vote
I'm sure Obama is hoping that Rezko and Bloggo don't both turn! The convicted Rezko was god father for both Obama and Bloggo--Top fundraiser for both and in business deals with both (Obama's home). If Fitz gets his extension watch for Obama to start sweating and not just in balmy Hawaii on the beach. There are connections (think Auchi) that will start coming out if the extension is granted. This could lead to a pre-impeachment if it happens in hours and days--pre meaning prior to the inaugeration. Post inaugeration impeachment is fine too.
- 2 votes
My my now here we have another speculative geinus who knows nothing. If you have that information and can prove it Fitzgeralds hot line is available on the web.
- 1 vote
Log, I think there's to many New Years resolutions that won't come true for many..
Why does the govenor have access to his office and able to do state business while under investigation?. The lt govenor should be in office right now until the investigation is finished.
Crooks protecting Crooks!.
#4 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:52 PM ESTIt is the law, that is why. May not agree with it, but the law is the law.
Fitz screwed up, because he didn't want to get all of obamas buddies caught in the net. Now he'll probably get nothing just like in the Libby deal.
- 2 votes
#5 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:53 PM ESTThe fact that Rod is corrupt has been well known and documented in Illinois for years. If Fitzgerald had a case for these specific charges, there would have been an indictment by now. By asking for a delay, Fitzgerald looks like he is trying to manufacture evidence to support his thesis.
- 1 vote
#6 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 1:55 PM ESTIt seems reasonable to give prosecutor more time. Why politically and legally, IL legislature has a panel that has not acted is the story and no media demand for action or story here for that purpose? Prosecution takes looooots of time, action from the people's elected officials to transparently act on our behalf is what is truely disturbing...
- 3 votes
#7 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:03 PM ESTThe fact is, 4 out of Illinois, to be indited speaks for itself.
- 1 vote
#8 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:06 PM ESTIf you are not in law, you can say what you think, but when evidence is brought forth, it MUST be investigated to hold any merit to be applied to the case. If it is applied, then the defense attorny gets time to reveiw the evidence. I would guarantee anyone in here to be indited would want as much time as possible. This case is not to be compared to any other case or homicide cases. They way it works is the U.S. attorney wants an iron clad case. He will ask for 90 days but there is no guarantee he will get 90 days. If he gets 60 days he will still get what he wants. Time and when you ask for something, you always ask for more, on the assumption you will get less.
- 2 votes
#9 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:11 PM ESTIn the immortal words of Cheney.........................SO?
As long as they can keep him in jail, take as long as needed.
Cause it does happen here in the US injustice to those that sit in jail for crimes they didn't commit,while others that do get to live in their penthouses with a brace on ther leg.
How can you arrest anyone without a case?
Log; It's called "Just Cause" or "Probable Cause" They have tapes, the tapes may not be enough for a conviction but with back up evidence, it is far more likely it will result in conviction. Fitz needs the people on the other end of that conversation with the Blog to come forward which would cement his case.
Fitz jumped the gun and it could backfire. Although what worked in Watergate should work here, it's a matter of precedent.
Chicago & IL is a haven for crime, it's a legacy from the time of Scarface. It Fitz can't get him the IRS probably can the way they did Al.
- 1 vote
Remember Blago was once a States Attorney. He knew he was being investigated and had to know that everything he says will be on tape. So why did he say such foolish things knowing full well that he's on tape? Because he knows he'll be able to get away with them. What he can't predict however is what Rezko is saying to the people that hold the keys to his (Reko's) jail cell.
#10 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:17 PM ESTJust what is Rezko saying about Bloggo--kinda interesting. What is Rezko saying about Obama and the Rezko/Obama/Auchi connection? Now that is really interesting. In case you don't know, Rezko introduced Obama to Auchi (the other Hussein as in Saddam's bag man and convicted fraudster) at a meeting at the Chicago Ritz Carlton. Auchi gave Rezko about the right amount to pay for Obama's home.
Check Google for Obama/Rezko/Auchi for the details.
I'm sure Obama doesn't want information from Rezko coming out. I'm betting Rezko, never a man of much honor is singing like a birdie--Yup--You'll soon see the oh so cool Obama starting to sweat.
- 3 votes
This year has been HORRIBLE for the American people. It's been GREAT for all the CEO's, Wall Street, Banks and AWESOME for GW and Cheney & Retiring Members of Congress. They get to leave and take their pensions with them while the rest of the country starves in the streets. No, I'm not Bush Bashing, just stating the facts. This latest 'ditty' with this as#%hole is just icing on the cake. He'll get nothing and our Grandchildren will get stuck with another bill! He'll more than likely sue and still get his corruption dollars. I totally foresee another 60's movement...it's already happened with Obama...only this time I hope they really stick it to them. ALL INCUMBENTS OUT!!! Get new blood that people can TRUST. We're not getting that anywhere. Look at Laura Richardson..representative who got her foreclosed house back months later...who allowed that one? So, good luck with this jerk. Good luck America.
- 1 vote
#11 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:20 PM ESTpam402259. you are an angry stupid liberal. this has nothing to do with ceos wall stret is has to do with politics...fool. obama and his ilk are in this up to their eyebrows. obama did not know rev wright was a racist, rezko was a crook ayer is a terrorist and he never talked to the gov about his senate seat...and santa came on xmas.obama is in this way further than we will ever know. you will see the gov get vince fostered. for you who have drunk the koolaide he will get help committing suicide
- 1 vote
Rich you're probably right. All it will take is 40 pieces of silver and the pigeons will sing. This is going to make a great book and movie. The Fall Before the Rise. or Dreams and Hope Changed. Just too many I didn't knows to swallow. What exactly does the PE actually know? I for one. just don't believe this fairy tale any more than I believed in Camelot. When Gov. Blog falls the house of cards will too.
- 1 vote
Serving as Governor should be a privilege not a right.
He was elected by the people and if the people should want, get him out.
Even if it is just because they do not like him.
This is outside of trying to indict him.
#12 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:27 PM ESTHopefully the Chicago voters will remember that Jesse Jr. was involved in this also. He has simply rode his contraversial fathers coattails and has no business being in Washington.
- 3 votes
#13 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:33 PM ESTAnd with that comment you have to lump in 98% of people who are already in Congress!
They have no business being there.
I think you are completely wrong about JJ Jr. He is obviously an egomaniac, but so are a lot of other people, not just politicians. Junior has been very careful to avoid the pitfalls his father fell into. I think he is a lot smarter than his father, period. Junior put his name in for the senate seat, but that is not wrong and we had no evidence that he did anything wrong. I strongly doubt that he would make such an offer to G-Rod because everyone in the state of Illinois knew that G-Rod was being investigated for real crimes and was on his way out.
I'm white and Independent, so I'm not grinding any axe here, I just don't believe Junior should be vilified without evidence. Hate his dad if you want to, but don't judge the kid until we know the whole story.
Guess you did not read about him being an informant did you? BTW his father has very short coattails.
i smell a coverup by obama's people. gov. bitch has something on him. dont think bitch will survive..
#15 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:48 PM ESTWe no longer need a justice system in this country. Just hang everyone through the media and let the stupid gossip start. He should never had said anything until he was ready to prosecute. We already have a trial being conducted by people who have NO FACTS.
The man made some stupid comments on the phone, our economy is going down the tubes, forget this crap and let the justice department do their damned job properly.
It's the economy...
- 2 votes
#16 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 2:59 PM ESTOh joy.
This will drag into next summer.
You know, I'm no Obama fan... but who needs this anyhow?
I won't mind having the nation reminded how many corrupt democrats there are... especially after their gleeful feeding frenzy in the last election cycle.
But if this turns out to be nothing but a publicity arrest with not enough substance behind it to get a conviction there won't be anyone in that Senate seat for months. The circus will be endless.
Add the "AL Franken must win at all costs" recount going on and the Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg burlesque show in New York and a seat in the US Senate will be among the most riddiculed political jobs in America.
Come to think of it, it already is.
The NHL is beginning to look like a real option for entertainment.
- 1 vote
#17 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:01 PM ESTDon't matter both parties are corrupted and full of greedy tools up in DC,they don't care about us and it showed they failed to protect us in everything we put them in office for.
Blago is a joke. He gives the job to Burris and all the blacks now want him in the Senate. Before Burris was selected the black leaders said that anyone that Blago selects would be tainted and should not be allowed to go to the Senate. Well since it is a black man the black leaders change their tune. You can bet your bottom dollar if a white man was selected there would be an outcry from all leaders in Chicago and in Washington. Politicians are making a mockery of the office that we vote them into and we could care less.
- 1 vote
#18 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:18 PM ESTPeople of this country need to take back power because the special interest and big corp. have taken it over. We the people no longer run this country the ones with money ,power and influence run this country anyway they choose and the politicians just line their pockets up and wheel and deal for their own purpose and agenda. This country is done for unless the people take charge and stop allowing Washington to do business as usual.
- 1 vote
#19 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:23 PM ESTThe greatest country ever on the face of God's green earth is going down the toilet. Morally we are in the gutter with sex, violence, and women just being seen as sex objects, gay marriage being the norm in our society and the gay agenda being taught in our public schools. Washington is corrupt, local politicians are corrupt. Crime is everywhere. Killings going on every single second in this country. WE SIT BACK AND DRINK OUR BEER DO OUR DRUGS, WATCH OUR SPORTS AND WATCH OUR PORNO AND HAVE OUR MATERIAL POSSESSIONS AND BELIEVE ALL IS WELL IN THIS COUNTRY OF OURS. I GUESS AS LONG AS IT DOES NOT PERSONALLY AFFECT US WHY GIVE A DAMN. I HAVE WHAT I WANT WHO CARES IF THIS COUNTRY IS GOING DOWN THE TOILET. WHAT A SHAME.
- 1 vote
#21 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:32 PM ESTpizat,
you, unfortunately are pretty much right on with your statement. there is moral decline in this country. we are in a cultural war here and the very existence of this nation depends on the outcome.
the obvious evidence of this is the amount of people who do not care what nobama's relationships with people like rezko, wright and ayers. they vote for him anyway.
- 1 vote
Rome came to an end because pleasure took over every aspect of the people's lives and were blinded to what was really happening to their nation. It was bleeding from the inside out. The people in power no longer cared about the people they did as they pleased and teh people cared less about what the leaders were doing. When people just stop caring about what is happening with it's leadership and the way it's society is going well that nation ceases to exist. Rome thought they would be in power forever and rule the world or at least be a major factor in the world.
- 2 votes
#23 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:37 PM ESTUnited States of America is the next Rome it will cease to exist. Just look at our society filth is everywhere on TV on the internet on the streets and biblical truths have been eradicated from our society. God has become a byword in our society. This nation is done for. Satan has won in this country and he is taking millions upon millions to hell with him.
- 2 votes
#24 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:43 PM ESTDoes this particular soap opera have an ending? Given the level of ineptitude and corruption found in many state governments, this affair is more amusing simply because it is more public. The wheels of justice grind slowly and we all get to watch the spectacle.
#25 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:51 PM ESTThe only political Idiots are not ONLY in our NUT houses, but in government, and all over America. It's unbelievable HOW human beings can all act this way at times. They thought they had old BLAGO dead to rights, and NOW they are having to chew their CUD for the second time. I would move to Mars IF there was a space ship going that way, and IT'S not to believe what's happening in these good old United States today, and IF I wait long enough for my space ship, there will be one.
#26 - Wed Dec 31, 2008 3:52 PM ESTYou're in Easy Mode. If you prefer, you can use XHTML Mode instead. |
As a new user, you may notice a few temporary content restrictions. Click here for more info.
