How much has Illinois been in the news recently? Let me count the ways:
JUNIOR ILLINOIS SENATOR BARACK OBAMA ELECTED AS NEXT PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
(I don't think I need to go into details on this one.)
TRIBUNE COMPANY FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY
NEW YORK (AP) — Tribune Co. — owner of the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun and other dailies — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Monday, the first major newspaper publisher to take such a step since the Internet plunged the industry into a desperate struggle for survival.
ILLINOIS GOVERNOR IN CORRUPTION SCANDAL
CHICAGO — Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich of Illinois was arrested by federal authorities on Tuesday morning on corruption charges, including an allegation that he conspired to effectively sell President-elect Barack Obama’s seat in the United States Senate to the highest bidder.
The last one has me (and most of Illinois) reeling from shock. Here is a summary: because Barack Obama is now president-elect, his IL senate seat is vacant. As per state constitution the governor of Illinois is the only one who has the power to name a successor to fill that seat. Recently, much speculation has been made on who he would name to replace Obama as the sitting senator. However, according to early reports from today's arrest Blagojevich was using his power to name a senate successor as leverage to earn money for himself, essentially holding out the senate seat to the highest bidder. He also made disparaging remarks against Obama saying tot he effect that [sic] "the only thing he is getting from Obama at this time is nothing but appreciation - and it is not good enough".
Just.....effing....unbelievable.......
Does this affect Obama? Not really, but it is an embarrassing situation for the Illinois political circle which already has a piss-poor reputation with regards to honesty, transparency and a corrupt system of political patronism. Obama is taking with him to Washington members of the Chicago Democrat circle - many of whom has had some interaction one way or another with the governors office. This means that their credibility is now under close scrutiny.
Personally, I hope that the FBI and other federal agencies would also take a look at the offices of the Cook County president Todd Stroger, who is the most incompetent, unqualified, arrogant leader in that position and presides over one of the most inefficient, bloated and corrupt governing bodies in the country.
Also, although I personally LOVE 'Elmer Fudd' wannabe Chicago Mayor Richard Daley - his administration needs a little shaking up as well.
All this goes to show - there's a lot going on in the "Land of Lincoln" right now; boring we ain't!
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