US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald: Blagojevich Verdict 'Bittersweet'

CHICAGO -- The top federal prosecutor in Chicago says the verdict delivered in Rod Blagojevich's trial sends a "loud and clear message" that the ousted Illinois governor committed serious crimes.

But U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald calls Blagojevich's conviction "a bittersweet moment." He says it is sad to again be dealing with a verdict against a former Illinois governor – just five years after Gov. George Ryan was convicted on corruption charges.

Fitzgerald says he hopes the message is heard this time that such actions will not be tolerated.

The jury on Monday found Blagojevich guilty on 17 of the 20 charges he faced, including charges that accused him of trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat.

Comments

[themodernleader]

01:30 AM on 06/28/2011

Attorney General Fitzgerald is one of the few Americans in responsible positions who support and defend the Constitution courageously and unflinchingly. He is a great American live-cinder in the dying embers that was once America.

[Dr Manhattan]

10:39 AM on 06/29/2011

Thanks for comedic break.

[naschkatze]

11:11 AM on 06/29/2011

x2. Starting with the title he gave him.

[sonshine]

12:36 AM on 06/28/2011

I used to believe in and trust Fitzgerald but see that he is just another overly aggressive prosecutor out to make a name for himself. I wasn't privy to all of the evidence but it seems spending all of this money over a governor doing what so many have done and continue to do is a waste. Blago never sold the seat.

[StevenM]

05:35 AM on 06/28/2011

You seem to be suggesting that as long as many people break the law, no one person should be held accountable.

[crookedcountyillinois]

09:24 AM on 06/28/2011

People can make very convincing arguments for their positions. But I believe in bad guys getting their just rewards.

Besides, we need to set an example for Pat Quinn, and others who follow. Right now, Quinn's been appointing political proponents to high-level state gigs left and right; and I'm sure the U.S. Attorney needs to take a long and hard look at him there.

[Dr Manhattan]

10:36 AM on 06/29/2011

How about starting with the most egregious lawbreakers, i.e. Madigan's and Daley's? This was a waste of money pure and simple. Fitzgerald is neck deep in pit of sewage with Madigan's and Daley's constantly cr@pping in it, and all he can see is little Blago spitting in it. Pathetic. I was thought Fitzgerald was actually going to clean this city and state up. What a disappointment he's been.

[peterbeagle]

08:15 AM on 06/28/2011

If a person is caught on tape planning to kill someone, and the police manage to arrest him while still in the talking stage, does that mean no crime has been committed?

[crookedcountyillinois]

09:27 AM on 06/28/2011

That was a pretty weak argument on Blagojevich's part. The whole "I'm innocent because I didn't actually go through with it" bit. Hehehe.

A decent person should be able to say that he's innocent because his actions were pure.

[teachone]

11:50 PM on 06/27/2011

Time for Pat Fitzgerald to put the same amount of effort he has put into removing Democrats from office, into investigating the thousands of lawbreaking investment banks in this country! Strange I have not seen him focused on removing one Republican or any in the banking or investment industry from their seats and their corruption affected the entire world, nearly brought this country to its knees! I find that rather odd and think everyone else should take note of the same,that is his job after all! Although it may be rather uncomfortable for him to do, since Bush is the one that elected him into office originally and the fact that his wife is an ex- investment banker, little awkward. My bet is Mr. Blagojevich had many enemies in the investment banking industry,quite happy with the results of this situation. Irregardless, it is Mr. Fitzgeralds civil duty to use and not misuse his power in anyway, fairly, focusing on the corporate corruption in this country should be of high importance to him and we americans will expect that it be next on his agenda! We all need to encourage this and keep on the results of his efforts closely, as does the government and President, the people of this country want justice. So, get busy Mr. Fitzgerald and start focusing on the big banks and investment companies who have been committing white collar crimes for years now and getting away with it, you have lots to do!

[catgirl666]

07:54 AM on 06/28/2011

Fanned & Faved!

[peterbeagle]

08:18 AM on 06/28/2011

you make some good points (but PLEASE don't say 'irregardle­ss' – there is no such word!)

[crookedcountyillinois]

11:44 PM on 06/27/2011

So. When is Fitzgerald going to arrest Mike Madigan? His conduct makes Blagojevich look like Mickey Mouse.

[bmcombs]

08:34 AM on 06/28/2011

We can disagree fairly often - but I'm on board 100% with this.

[crookedcountyillinois]

09:28 AM on 06/28/2011

Nothing wrong with a little civil disagreement. I like to think my best friends are the people I can argue with for hours on end.

[Diablo Canyon]

09:52 PM on 06/27/2011

Lincoln would turn over in his grave at Blago's conduct? According to Carl Sandberg, Honest Abe Lincoln traded six Cabinet seats to his rivals, Seward, Chase, et al, in return for them to drop out as candidates at the Republican Presidential nominating convention of 1860 at the Wigwam in Chicago! The real joke is that Elliot Spitzer was not prosecuted for conspiracy to commit bank fraud when had a his Long Island banker friend in his bank contact a Manhattan bank officer in his bank to cover up the source of his payments to the prostitutes. Losing the governorship was enough there but not here?

[crookedcountyillinois]

09:33 AM on 06/28/2011

If you ask me, the prostitute is petty and unimportant, but the banking fraud affects everyone.

What would our society be like if we allowed a powerful class of people to lie on every application, trick the IRS, misappropriate business funds, and avoid paying taxes?

The answer? It would be terrible for society, and it would be EXACTLY like it is today.

[robodawa]

07:10 PM on 06/27/2011

Monday afternoon I heard Attorney Fitzgerald on WBEZ. His mind is sharp, focused and attenuated. His respect for protocol and procedure is precise. I wish him the best and
may his work be a new standard that the US Justice Dept uses for future hires.

[YOKEL13]

08:21 PM on 06/27/2011

at·ten·u·at·ed/əˈtenyo͞oˌātid/Adjective
1. Unnaturally thin: "she was a drooping, attenuated figure".
2. Weakened in force or effect: "Roman influence became attenuated"

[naschkatze]

09:12 PM on 06/27/2011

Fitzgerald doesn't deserve any kudos. He blew the first trial, and the taxpayers have had to spend too much money to give him a second chance.

[crookedcountyillinois]

09:39 AM on 06/28/2011

I don't think he "blew" it. The criminal justice system is definitely imperfect, and a jury of imperfect people can do unpredictable things.

[VOTER]

06:53 PM on 06/27/2011

Attorney Fitzgerald, you are  a member of the Department of
Justice Special Counsel Office, so after this victory, you should
impress upon others that it is time to go after the 
REALLY BIG ONES!

Convicting them will bring Justice and a Bonus - CASH FOR THE TREASURY!

[crookedcountyillinois]

09:38 AM on 06/28/2011

Heh. All members of Congress, the Senate, and the Treasury, including the IRS and the Comptroller of the Currency. Also, the Federal Reserve and, hell, Goldman Sachs.

Then, and only then, can we really move forward as a society.

[VOTER]

10:00 AM on 06/28/2011

I agree.  JUSTICE AND BIG BUCKS!

****While this suggestion would never become a law, I believe voters could
present strong arguments for voluntary participation.

IMO, every politician announcing candidacy for Public Office, should voluntarily
be audited by the IRS before he/she can accept any campaign donations.
Family members should be audited as well. 
Once elected pols should continue to volunteer for the audits. 
If they have nothing to hide ..................
Needless to say, voters would have to take the IRS's word on the audit results
and the pols and their family members privacy would be kept.

Any candidate volunteering to participate ins audits would capture the 
voters attention. 
Any candidate refusing would, also, capture the voters attention.