Blagojevich Democrat

Illinois GOP Rips Democrats Over Burris

AP | Posted 05.25.2011

CHICAGO (AP) -- On the day Roland Burris was sworn in as a new U.S. senator, the Illinois Republican Party blasted Democrats for letting the state bec...

Sunday Roundup

Arianna Huffington | Posted 05.25.2011

Arianna Huffington

It's been amusing watching the media try to turn a scandal affecting the governor of Illinois into a scandal affecting the president-elect. Every detail was milked for maximum ominousness: a recent handshake between Obama and Blagojevich, a list of favored replacement candidates delivered by Rahm Emanuel, Rahm's "beet-red" face, David Axelrod's work for Blago in the 90s. All inflated to fill a sparse news cycle. But wouldn't it have been weird if Obama hadn't shaken Blago's hand, and weirder still if he'd shown no interest in who his successor would be? Trying to turn any of this into a suspicion of pay-to-play carries about as much weight as the Obama citizenship case. Sorry, guys, but Blagojevich said it all: the Obama people were "not willing to give me anything except appreciation."

The Right Way to Sell a Senate Seat

Jonathan Handel | Posted 05.25.2011

Jonathan Handel

Blago is actually the Governor's nickname, and please don't confuse it with "blogger," which is what I am. I'm not the governor of anything, and I left Chicago at age 6, with my morals more or less intact.

Handcuffs and Shoulder Shrugs

Toby Greenwalt | Posted 05.25.2011

Toby Greenwalt

The conversation has moved on to how far this investigation will lead. Whether it's a political newcomer like Tammy Duckworth or a political institution like Richard Daley, a lot of people are hoping Fitzmas only hits once this year.

The Other Blago-Sphere Takes a Hit

Robert J. Elisberg | Posted 05.25.2011

Robert J. Elisberg

It's not just Lincoln turning in his grave, as U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald suggested, this would make even the first Mayor Daley turn in his grave, a man who could peddle boodle in his sleep without a scratch.

America's New Political Capital: Don't Judge Chicago by Its Crooks

Brett Ashley McKenzie | Posted 05.25.2011

Brett Ashley McKenzie

As names are named, and Blagojevich becomes the fourth Illinois governor since the '70s to be charged with white collar crime, you may find yourself asking, "What's going on with Illinois?"

Blagojevich's Magnificent Downfall

James Warren | Posted 05.25.2011

James Warren

At the heart of it all, is money -- as is the case in about 49 other states, regardless of all the television chatter Tuesday about a peculiarly "Chicago" brand of corruption.

Obama Unfairly Tainted by Crimes He Didn't Commit

Bob Cesca | Posted 05.25.2011

Bob Cesca

We've seen this before: specious attempts to connect Obama with corrupt or controversial figures in Chicago. This is what we can expect for the next four years. The crazy has only just begun.

My Take on Blagojevich

David Mamet | Posted 05.25.2011

David Mamet

I am from Chicago, and, so, having been disillusioned with politics at an early age I do not become involved. The only reason I vote is because they pay me.

Blagojevich Proves Obama is Clean

Cenk Uygur | Posted 05.25.2011

Cenk Uygur

The headline shouldn't be about how this is a problem for Obama. The headline should be, "Blagojevich Case Proves Obama Can't Be Bought." He is indisputably clean.

Blago Could've Been Somebody

Beau Friedlander | Posted 05.25.2011

Beau Friedlander

He could have been a hero in his home town -- now he's a disgrace. It seems to be a common narrative these days.

Now, Finally, We Can Clean Up This State

Edwin Eisendrath | Posted 05.25.2011

Edwin Eisendrath

Two years ago I took on Mr. Blagojevich in the Democratic Primary. It was already clear back then that he was deeply involved in the kind of pay-to-play politics that have tainted Illinois for too long.

Chorus of Illinois Elected Officials Call for Governor's Resignation

Brett Ashley McKenzie | Posted 05.25.2011

Brett Ashley McKenzie

"If Governor Blagojevich has any regard for the State of Illinois and its residents, he will immediately resign from office," said Congressman Shimkus.

Blagojevich Deserves the Chicago Tribune's Thanks

Jacob Heilbrunn | Posted 05.25.2011

Jacob Heilbrunn

Blagojevich should have just exercised a little more patience in demanding that Zell fire writers since Zell, who has just had the Tribune declare bankruptcy, seems to be taking down the entire place anyway.

Dear Gov. Blagojevich

Matt Cooper | Posted 05.25.2011

Matt Cooper

You're probably wondering what to do. I have some advice. Back in 2004, I had a rather infamous run-in with Pat Fitzgerald, the U.S. Attorney who has taken such a keen interest in you.

My Governor Got Led Away in Handcuffs, and All I Got Was This Lousy Newspaper

Daniel Sinker | Posted 05.25.2011

Daniel Sinker

Be glad you're not Rod Blagojevich. In addition to having a terrible haircut, he's going to go down in history as the worst politician in the history of Illinois politics--a high bar to pass, but one he's passed handily.

Blagojevich Offers Senate Seat to Arresting Officer

Andy Borowitz | Posted 05.25.2011

Andy Borowitz

The astonishing escape attempt occurred moments after Mr. Blagojevich was handcuffed by the agent, who was wearing a wire and captured the entire expletive-laden offer on tape.