Blagojevich Impeachment Inquiry Stalls

The New York Times ^ | 12-16-08 | MONICA DAVEY

[malkee]

A committee of the Illinois House considering evidence and testimony in an impeachment inquiry against Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich adjourned its first day of hearings after about an hour on Tuesday, after the governor’s lawyer and the federal prosecutor seeking to indict him both expressed concerns.

Members of the 21-member committee, appointed Monday, said that United States Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald had asked for them more details about the witnesses the committee planned to call in its hearings. Mr. Fitzgerald asked the committee for a formal letter outlining its plans, indicating some reluctance about having witnesses testify who might harm the federal case.

The lawyer for Mr. Blagojevich, Edward Genson, also objected, saying that he wanted to be present at the proceedings. The committee agreed, and Mr. Genson, who was not at the hearing on Tuesday, said he would be there when the committee reconvenes Wednesday morning.

[malkee]

The picture gets a little clearer.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

They put in an hour’s work. That’s enough.

[Paladin2]

Fitz seems to be unclear on what he is doing.

[Sybeck1]

Raum needs to take the stand......

[kbennkc]

I heard somewhere , Illinois impeachment actually requires evidence . I haven't seen any yet . I still believe in the presumption of innocence and remember what a snake Fitzgerald is . We can not surrender civil liberties even for people like Blogojevich .

[ConservativeMind]

They needed to wait until something was actually done by Blago.

It doesn’t matter if Blago was talking about invading Missouri with the Illinois National Guard if he never does it. He’s just TALKING.

[Red Badger]

Fitz doesn’t want these guys messing up his case.........

[ConservativeMind]

Agreed.

[villagerjoel]

“This is too hard. Who wants to take a break?”

*all hands rise as they head towards the door*

[Red_Devil 232]

He is protecting The One.

[randita]

Some said they worried that the impeachment work — which is expected to occupy many late nights and many weekends — might take time from what needs to be done to deal with the state’s other problems, including a budget deficit and what some lawmakers say has been a virtual halt to state business since Mr. Blagojevich was arrested a week ago.

And how is this is bad? /s

Seriously, there will not be an impeachment or removal as governor. And it's starting to look doubtful there will even be a conviction. All the IL Democrat bluster was just for show. IL voters are stuck with not only a lame duck, but a corrupt lame duck, for the next two years.

Who knows how the Senate seat gets filled.

[Chet 99]

It seems odd that he’d arrest the governor without first having an indictment in hand.

[Parmenio]

Hang tough Blago! Hang tough long enough to drag Rahmbo and the O down into the mud!

[Da Coyote]

Why waste time?

Dhimmicrat.

No conviction.

They need the time and money to go after Bush.

(Dhimmicratic politics are easy to predict. Crime? Your fault. Depression? Your fault. The law? We don’t need no stinkin’ law. Constitution? What’s that?

[UCFRoadWarrior]

The longer Ivan Blago hangs on...the more he has the goods on some top Democrats

He hasnt stepped down....they are hesitant to impeach him....Blago obviously can take people down with him

[EQAndyBuzz]

“Who knows how the Senate seat gets filled. “

Obama tells Blago who he wants, Blago puts him/her in. In return, Blago gets his wife onto one or more boards that pay hugh salaries. Blago gets a nice no-show lobbyist job for keeping his mouth closed.

MSM makes it all go away and it is business as usual. Also, Fitzy gets ready to take over the AG slot once Bambi’s choice gets grilled and backs out.

[freekitty]

Fitz is trying to figure out a way to save Obambi.

[Army Air Corps]

Blago obviously can take people down with him

Yup.

[mkjessup]

Obama tells Blago who he wants, Blago puts him/her in. In return, Blago gets his wife onto one or more boards that pay hugh salaries.

That sounds series!

[StAnDeliver]

Anything that pushes that Illinois Senate vote to remove Gov. Zod closer to Barry’s inauguration is a very good thing.