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December 09, 2008
We Have A Darwin Award Winner!
The State of Illinois has had quite a year. It has seen its junior U.S. Senator elected President of the United States, and one of Obama's Chicago colleagues in the U.S. House chosen to be his new chief of staff. Today, however, brought word of a more dubious distinction for the Land of Lincoln.
This morning Illinois' sitting Governor, Rod Blagojevich, was arrested in Chicago on federal corruption charges. It seems Governor "Blago" had been peddling Obama's Senate seat appointment to the highest bidder.
This stunning development was even more shocking given that the Guv knew he was already under investigation for previous corrupt activities. That's right folks, this genius had repeated phone conversations (which were legally wiretapped) in which he spoke openly of his plan to sell the Senate seat, or even appoint himself if he couldn't get a deal to his liking.
He discussed his wish list -- a Cabinet posting, an ambassadorship, a high-paying Labor job, and lucrative corporate board appointments for his wife -- in exchange for the appointment. He cursed the president-elect because he knew Obama would be unwilling to pay him off. All this while he knew he was under investigation.
Ladies and gentlemen, the Governor of Illinois may be the stupidest man in the United States. And even if he doesn't quite reach that standard, Blago is hands-down the political Darwin award winner for 2008. Fitting that last year's winner, Senator Larry Craig of Idaho, passes the torch to Blago on the day his own appeal to reverse his guilty plea was denied.
Oh, and former Illinois Governor Ryan? Save a spot in the pokey for your successor. He will be joining you soon.
Posted by houtopia at December 9, 2008 08:14 PM