December 9, 200817 yr Was just taken into federal custody after being arrested at his home this morning. Tribune: Blagojevich Taken Into Federal Custody CHICAGO (CBS) ― Gov. Rod Blagojevich was taken into federal custody at his North Side home this morning, according to the Chicago Tribune. Federal agents made undercover tape recordings of Gov. Rod Blagojevich with the help of one of his closest advisers, according to a published report issued Friday. The Chicago Tribune reported that former Blagojevich aide John Wyma helped with an investigation that led to tapings of Blagojevich and others. Wyma was Blagojevich's chief of staff when the governor was representing the Illinois' 5th District in Congress, and his name has been tied to aspects of the federal investigation, including a recent subpoena. In October, federal prosecutors subpoenaed records from Mokena-based Provena Hospital regarding Wyma's work for the hospital. Wyma was registered to represent Provena when it got approval from the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board in April 2004 to proceed with development of an open-heart surgery unit in Elgin. The federal subpoena sought information on the hospital's push for state approval of the heart program and a $25,000 donation the company's for-profit affiliate gave to Blagojevich's campaign fund. In 2005, Wyma was involved in a real estate deal with the governor's wife, Patricia Blagojevich, who has a home-based real estate company. Wyma client Mark Wight sold a $650,000 condominium to Wyma, paying the first lady a $30,000 commission. Wight's architecture firm later won $10 million in no-bid state contracts for tollway work. Investigators are looking into allegations of corruption, involving Blagojevich and the Health Facilities Planning Board, as well as the Teachers Retirement System. The investigation has been going on for several years, and initially, Blagojevich dismissed the claims. But the probe later resulted in the indictment and conviction of Antoin "Tony" Rezko, Blagojevich's chief political fundraiser. In another development, FBI agents searched two Joliet businesses owned by Harish Bhatt, a longtime Blagojevich supporter. Agents descended upon Basinger and Essington pharmacies early in the morning and combed through paperwork. The FBI would only say it's part of an ongoing federal investigation. Bhatt told reporters agents weren't looking into him, adding, "We have nothing to do with it." Last year, the Tribune named Bhatt as being part of an ongoing investigation into Blagojevich's administration. The paper reported state police were looking into whether Bhatt solicited campaign donations in exchange for state favors. Bhatt and Blagojevich go back years. Bhatt has raised thousands of dollars for the governor. And just this year, another Blagojevich fundraiser, Antoin "Tony" Rezko, was convicted on pay-to-play corruption charges. LINK Edited December 9, 200817 yr by Jumper_Dad
December 9, 200817 yr Wow!! I just saw on FoxNews where this is nothing new to Illinois. They have a former governor in prison now serving a 6 year sentence. And it flashed up 2 other Illinois govs who were arrested in past years for corruption.
December 9, 200817 yr Illinios is tight with the MOB traditionally. You've got that right, Chicago has always been a mob town since the late 1800's.
December 9, 200817 yr This has nothing to do with the Mob. This has everything to do with corrupt politicians who have yet to learn that the rules have changed. George Ryan, the Governonr prior to Blago, is in prison for taking campaign contributions in exchange for state contracts. This is something that was done since the beginning of the state and the Feds have had enough of it. I agree with them. This is an expensive place to do business because of the graft and corruption. Apparently, in addition to the charges in the Federal Complaint, Blago intended to sell the Senate seat being vacated by Barack Obama. He wanted $500k or a Cabinet Position or a plush corporate board position for his wife. Absolutely disgusting.
December 9, 200817 yr Corrupt politician(Democrat) in Illinois. What a suprise. Don't act like Dems have cornered the market on this stuff. Ryan was a Republican.
December 9, 200817 yr Greta says there will be many additional charges by the time this comes to trial.
December 9, 200817 yr whats the old saying? Southern bred and southern born and when I'll die I'll be southern dead. I think Charlie Daniels has it right, "The South's gonna do it again!"
December 9, 200817 yr whats the old saying? Southern bred and southern born and when I'll die I'll be southern dead. I think Charlie Daniels has it right, "The South's gonna do it again!" While I'm from KY I don't follow what you're trying to say.
December 10, 200817 yr Don't act like Dems have cornered the market on this stuff. Ryan was a Republican. :thumb:
December 10, 200817 yr Author P-E Obama said this was a sad day for Illinois. He also said that he had no contact with the Governor about possible replacements. One of his staff was on Chicago TV last week stating that the P-E and Gov had been discussing his replacement. So either P-E BHO forgot about talking to the Gov or his campaign manager lied about it.
December 10, 200817 yr P-E Obama said this was a sad day for Illinois. He also said that he had no contact with the Governor about possible replacements. One of his staff was on Chicago TV last week stating that the P-E and Gov had been discussing his replacement. So either P-E BHO forgot about talking to the Gov or his campaign manager lied about it. My personal belief is that Blago approached Obama with hints that he would give Obama his choice to fill the Senate seat in return for a lucrative spot in the Obama's administration. I think Obama gave him a "we'd be eternally grateful if you filled the Senate seat with a good Obama Democrat." Not exactly what Blago was looking for. I'm also not saying that if this happened that Obama did anything improper.
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