Blagojevich Won't Speak At Convention

Chicago Sun-Times:

The Obama campaign on Tuesday afternoon released more speakers for the second night of the Democratic convention in Denver, a batch of Democratic governors. Missing from the list: the first governor to back Obama, his homestate Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Blagojevich, who threw a heck of a party in Boston in 2004, has had no profile in the Obama campaign because of the scandals surrounding his administration, notably the Tony Rezko probe.

Because of Rezko, I never, ever expected Blagojevich to be tapped to speak. Governors on the convention card include three early Obama backers, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick who grew up on the South Side of Chicago.

Read the whole story: Chicago Sun-Times

Comments

[vassmer]

It amazes me that some thought Blago was Presidential material when he was first elected governor!
He has done a few good things for IL ( I can count on one hand) but he doesn't deserve a spot on the roster. This state is drowning in debt and losing industries. Why should the Democrats reward him with his dismal record?
Sad to say, but he almost makes me miss George Ryan.

[rwe]

Pay attention america ... this is the land of Obama... From Blagodurbi­n,Stroger, Emil Jones, Daley the cookCounty,Chicago democrat machine... Most corrupt , highets taxed , highest gas prices and all in the name of Liberal Dems... Wright, Ayers,Jackson, Farrakhan , Sharpton... All are based here... and you wonder why Obama is not leading the polls by 20 points...Oh thats right blame it on republican atacks on Michelle (and the proud one does not help much either)

[themightylex]

Wow, RWE, that's the lamest and most incoherent attack I've ever heard. So, if I name infamous personalities from your general area, some that you may not even have a connect or association with, can I conclude that your total merit is based on these people?

If that is the standard, then shouldn't we look at all the heroes that a person is associated with as well? Imagine all the champions of liberty that Obama calls friend. The great humanitarians, thinkers, teachers, care-givers, and respected community leaders must out-number the infamous by 20 to 1. So if you want to judge him by the company he keeps, then look at the full spectrum, not a select few.

Jerk.

[southsideirish]

Hey, rwe, you also forgot Al Capone and Bugs Moran. Guess he must be in with the rumrunners "wot kilt all doz guyz in da garage on Valentine's Day" too. Don't worry. Ness'll get him.

Jerk.

[dbm1966]

I suppose "rwe" stands for "right-wing extremist?" Sure, we have our share of colorful personalities here, but so does every major metropolitan area (and by the way, Sharpton is from New York). Daley has done some great things for Chicago. Jesse Jackson is an icon who is one of the greatest champions of civil rights in history. Sen. Durbin is a fantastic senator who is universally admired. I'm proud that these people are from Chicago.

Jeremiah Wright? Big deal. He also did a lot of good with that church (help for AIDS sufferers and the homeless). I'm not going to get all hot and bothered because some of his sermons were overly zealous.

William Ayers? He did something dispicable over 40 years ago. The only real connection with Sen. Obama is that they served on the same charitable board. Are you implying that they are going to go out and blow up something?

Blagojevich is a horrible governor. Republicans hate him. Democrats want him gone. He's been bad for the state for many reasons. He's a goner and nobody wants to associate with him.

Implying that Sen. Obama is not his own person is ludicrous. He's only lived in Chicago since the 90s, anyway. I simply don't see that stereotypical Chicago-style politics present in this man.

Remember, it's more difficult not to judge than to be a judgmental fool.

[SPQR1052]

I have no Illionis connections, not that I know of anyway. However, looking at the list - Super - people with menatlities to get stuff done! Way to go Chicago excellent characteristics to instill in your citizens. I am up with that. (excluding the Ayers incent 40 years ago of coures - don't wanna be on any secret list of rightwingers or nor men dressed in black with fancy earpieces.)


0BAMA 2008.

[chitown8]

I have Blago. I voted for Judy Barr Topenka. She had teh best cig voice in the world. Blago needs to stay in Illinois to fix the school mess.

[ChiGuy]

0 should distance himself in every way possible from this arrogant egomaniac.
I'm just grateful the 0 never had particularly close ties to the j.e.r.k.
Blago won't get another term as our Gov.

[KISHAGREEN]

I like that list O. And I'm happy that the women governors are getting a spotlight. Excellent.

[BethinIllinois]

Well, I can't believe Blago THOUGHT he'd be tapped, but he's such an egomaniac perhaps he did. There's no way Obama probably wants Blagojevich within 200 miles of Denver, let alone on the same stage. Obama is probably hoping for a crisis in Illinois. Oh, wait, we have several -- and our illustrious governor directly caused most of them...