Illinois politics

Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff, John Harris, were arrested today by FBI agents for what U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald called a “staggering” level of corruption involving pay-to-play politics in Illinois’ top office.

More here.

My brother, who at one time was employed in the Illinois treasurer’s office at a high enough level he would meet with the then governor, has been telling me something was going to happen. Well it has. Turns out the reason for the delay in appointing a replacement Senator for Obama was that Blagoyevich wanted a quid pro quo for making a labor friendly appointment.

The U.S. Attorney, Patrick Fitzgerald, is as good as they get. Seems Blagojevich put a for sale sign on the appointment. Good riddance. He would be the 4th 3rd Illinois governor in the last 40 years to serve prison time. I hope Obama doesn’t have any skeletons here. Bill (my bro) has had reservations all along about Barack based on his (Bill’s) familiarity with Chicago politics and that Obama comes from that political environment.

Bill, if you read this, your comments would be appreciated.

Greg