Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich Arrested

Illinois Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday December 9, 2008, by the FBI, at his Chicago home. The Illinois Governor is charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery. His Chief of Staff John Harris was also arrested. Governor Blagojevich appeared before the U.S. Magistrate in Chicago later that day and was released on $4500 bond.

The office of Patrick Fitzgerald, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, released a statement which said that "[Governor Blagojevich] was engaging in ongoing criminal activity: conspiring to leverage his sole authority to appoint a United State Senator..." The Illinois Governor has a sole authority to select the junior U.S. Senator from Illinois to replace President-Elect Barack Obama.

Governor Blagojevich has long been suspected of being under investigation and a Chicago Tribune article recently revealed that federal authorities had recorded Blagojevich's conversations leading many to believe an arrest might be imminent. The U.S. Attorney's statement reveals that Governor Blagojevich was recorded via court-authorized wiretaps at his home in Chicago as well as in his personal office and a conference room at the Friends of Blagojevich offices in Chicago.

The U.S. Attorney's statement further reveals that Governor Blagojevich tried at various times to trade the U.S. Senator appointment for a large salary for himself at a non-profit foundation, a lucrative corporate board position for his wife, campaign funds promises, and a "cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself". The statement quotes Governor Blagojevich as saying that the U.S. Senate seat "is a [expletive] valuable thing, you just don't give it away for nothing."

Fitzgerald himself stated "The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering...They allege that Blagojevich put a 'for sale' sign on the naming of a United States Senator..."

The director of the FBI office in Chicago stated in a news conference this afternoon that FBI agents were "thoroughly disgusted and revolted by what they heard [on the recordings]." At the same press conference Fitzgerald stated that, due to several imminent actions on the Governor's plate, he felt it would be "irresponsible" for them to not proceed immediately with the arrest of Governor Blagojevich.

The 76-page federal criminal complaint also details efforts by the Illinois Governor to get the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune fired in exchange for state-government assistance in the sale of Wrigley Field by the ailing Tribune company and an attempt to solicit a campaign contribution from the CEO of Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago. When the money was not forthcoming Governor Blagojevich discussed the possibility of rescinding $8 million that the hospital had recently received from the state. The statement further alleges that Governor Blagojevich was attempting to solicit as much money as possible before a new state ethics law goes into effect on January 1, 2009.

Rod Blagojevich was elected in 2002 as Governor of Illinois and was re-elected in 2006. His predecessor, Republican Governor George Ryan, is currently serving time on federal corruption charges after prosecution by Fitzgerald's office as well.

These arrests and the detailed criminal complaint bring forth speculation that further individuals may be charged in association with these alleged actions by the Illinois Governor. I

Governor Blagojevich's attorney released a statement that proclaimed the Illinois Governor's innocence and that Governor Blagojevich has no plans to resign. The Illinois Governor was back to work in his office on Wednesday.

Althought under investigation Governor Blagojevich still retains the sole ability to appoint the replacement Senator for Illinois although the U.S. Senate would not have to seat that person. llinois state congressional officials have scheduled a special session to begin Monday December 15, 2008, to discuss impeachment as well as a special election for the U. S Senate seat.

On Friday December 12, 2008, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed papers asking the Illinois Supreme Court to temporarily remove Governor Blagojevich from his duties saying that he is unable to legitimately perform those duties. Attorney General Madigan stated that she did this due to the extraordinary circumstances and that she felt the impeachment proceedings would not occur quickly enough to allow the state to continue to function effectively. She emphasized that she still believes impeachment proceedings should go forward.