This was forwarded along to me by Toffer by way of Chris Onken in Chicago...it is unbelievable how closely the Blagojevich/Burris controversy sounds exactly like an episode of Seinfeld. Here's the e-mail I received in full:

I'm guessing not everyone (or anyone) is getting as much press coverage on the Obama Senate seat, but since there are quite a few Seinfeld fans, I thought you guys might appreciate this. I'm not sure how much Roland Burris watches Seinfeld, but it seems to me he's pulling a George by showing up today amid the controversy. Thanks to Jim's script link, I've changed the names and only a couple other references:

Rod Blagojevich: That's funny . You're very quick. I feel like I, like I don't have to explain every little thing to you. You understand everything immediately.
Roland Burris: I enjoy understanding.
Blagojevich: I want you to have this job. Of course...
Secretary: The FBI is on line 2.
Blagojevich: Thanks. I've got to take this call. Listen, I'm really glad that you came in.

At Monk's

Burris: I want you to have this job. Of course...
Jesse Jackson: Yeah?
Burris: That's it.
Jesse: What do you mean that's it?
Burris: He never finished the sentence. He got a call, that was the end of the interview.

A Few Days Later

Burris: So I still haven't heard about that job.
Jesse: Yeah that's a tough one. What are you going to do about that?
Burris: I have an idea.
Jesse: Yeah?
Burris: I show up.
Jesse: What do you mean you show up?
Burris: I show up. I pretend I have the job. The guy's going to jail. If I have the job, it's fine. If I don't have the job, by the time he is aquitted of any wrongdoing, I'm ensconced.
Jesse: Hmm. Not bad.
Burris: What's the worst thing that could happen?
Jesse: Well, you'd be embarrassed and humiliated in front of a large group of people and have to walk out in shame with your tail between your legs.
Burris: Yeah, so?

Just give him the Pensky file . . .

**UPDATE: Thanks to The Politico for the link!

Labels: Illinois Politics, Rod Blagojevich, Roland Burris, Seinfeld and Politics Who Knew

# posted by Anonymous : 9:37 PM  3 comments

This article is completely staggering. Staggeringly stunning.

Today, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested by the FBI. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said “the breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering.”

(I totally copied Fitzgerald with my adjectives. Sorry, Pat.)

Here are some highlights:

--He was unapologetically asking for money up front from potential candidates to take Barack Obama's now-vacant Senate seat.
--Was considering taking the seat himself, to--somehow--simultaneously set himself up for a Presidential run in 2016, while avoiding impeachment (!) from the Illinois Congress.
--Was threatening the Chicago Tribune editorial board to change their tone of criticism towards him and his office, or else he would not approve the sale of Wrigley Field to the State of Illinois.
--On top of asking for significant campaign donations, was trying to also package a plush lobbying job for his wife in exchange for a Senate appointment.
--Trying to exchange significant increases to already enormous state government contracts for campaign contributions.
--Intimidation tactics to get donations through before legislation passed, in order for it not to appear that there was a conflict of interest.
--Trying to get an executive position with a Union board in exchange for a nomination of someone in the Union's pocket for the open Senate seat.

That's just the summary.

And you people wonder why I'm a libertarian. Power doesn't just corrupt Republicans, it turns out.

This story sends chills up my spine, and I don't even live in Illinois. It should you, too, because I PROMISE you that this happens everywhere.

Somewhere along the lines, the "power of the people" got shot in some dark alley and left for dead. It is incredibly depressing.

Labels: Corruption, Illinois Politics, Politics, Rod Blagojevich