# Governor Blagojevich Arrested, What Now? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [December 9, 2008, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396 "2008-12-09T15:36:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![What\_the](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f4b2a3/32.png) [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/361 "2008-12-31T15:02:18Z")
The primary qualification for this seat seems to be that it go to a black person. If that is the case, what kind of principaled position could possibly be involved? Short of a quantity of cash in his freezer, I think he should be accepted and predict that he will be. As for the Republicans in the Senate, why should they vote against seating him. The only reason the Dems would is the taint factor as it applies to their party, that city/state and Obama. It has absolutely nothing to do with his qualifications. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/362 "2008-12-31T15:12:14Z")
> [@What\_the](#): > > If that is the case, what kind of principaled position could possibly be involved? “Principled?” Are you serious? ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/363 "2008-12-31T16:30:58Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > “Principled?” Are you serious? Consider the source. ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/364 "2008-12-31T17:17:05Z")
Democrats need to do everything they can to keep this guy out of the senate. He may or may not be a great nomination, but if he’s seated, this \*looks like \*the same kind of arrogance that brought down the Republican congress. It looks like getting sixty seats is more important than punishing corrupt politicians. It looks like trading ethics for short-term gain. Burris is tainted just for being dumb enough to accept Blagojevich’s appointment. The senate should try to prevent him being seated. If that fails, they should try to expel him. If that fails, they shouldn’t let him caucus with Democrats, the Illinois Democratic Party should begin campaigning now for a different Democrat for the seat in 2010. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/365 "2008-12-31T17:17:11Z")
Two weeks and a Senate appointment ago, Burris was calling for Blago’s resignation and saying that his conduct was appalling. Now he’s saying he doesn’t have an opinion on the governor and that Blago is “innocent until proven guilty”. Burris may have a long career behind him, full of honest reputation and honorable conduct, but he’s tied himself to an anchor this time. Even if Burris still is the most honest and honorable politician in Illinois, he’s getting slime on him. The sad thing is that it’s not like Blago has been a stealth slime-producer. If Burris ends up buried because of this, it’s his own damn fault for not refusing the appointment before it was announced. All it would have taken was for him to tell Blago “Don’t even say my name…I refuse right now.” ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/366 "2008-12-31T17:49:40Z")
I understand how he might be tainted, etc. But how long should Illinois have to be without two representatives in the Senate? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/367 "2008-12-31T17:59:43Z")
> [@Gangster\_Octopus](#): > > I understand how he might be tainted, etc. But how long should Illinois have to be without two representatives in the Senate? The inauguration’s on the 20th. Is Illinois being so badly deprived right now the somebody just had to be appointed right this second, regardless of any of the issues involved or the credbility problems of the representative? ETA: Tim Johnson was out of action from December 2006 to September 2007. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/368 "2008-12-31T18:02:29Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > The inauguration’s on the 20th. Is Illinois being so badly deprived right now the somebody just had to be appointed right this second, regardless of any of the issues involved or the credbility problems of the representative? > > ETA: Tim Johnson was out of action from December 2006 to September 2007. Actually, I think Senators are sworn in on the Jan. 6. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/369 "2008-12-31T18:03:42Z")
They’re sworn in before the president is, yes. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Moto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/9de0a6/32.png) [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/370 "2008-12-31T18:31:37Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > ETA: Tim Johnson was out of action from December 2006 to September 2007. Something to consider - Johnson was still a sitting senator with a full staff in place. By all accounts constituent service operations, which run independent of the representative or senator’s direct involvement, were still in place and ran smoothly while Senator Johnson recuperated. Right now this seat is vacant - there is no office and no staff. ---
**Author:** ![bup](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6bbea6/32.png) [@bup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bup)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/371 "2008-12-31T18:36:05Z")
> [@Gangster\_Octopus](#): > > I understand how he might be tainted, etc. But how long should Illinois have to be without two representatives in the Senate? We’re getting a guy in the White House. And Durbin is one of the most influential senators in the body. We’ll manage somehow. ---
**Author:** ![Gangster\_Octopus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a8b319/32.png) [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/372 "2008-12-31T18:40:49Z")
> [@bup](#): > > We’re getting a guy in the White House. And Durbin is one of the most influential senators in the body. We’ll manage somehow. So is your answer, “as long as it takes”? ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/373 "2008-12-31T19:01:15Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > I don’t know much about Illinois law, but if the governor’s power to appoint a senator derives from the state constitution . . . I don’t think it does, however. Can any Illinoisians clear this up? ---
**Author:** ![Freddy\_the\_Pig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/a587f6/32.png) [@Freddy\_the\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freddy_the_Pig)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/374 "2008-12-31T19:08:44Z")
See post#357. ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/375 "2008-12-31T19:12:39Z")
[Here.](http://depaullaw.typepad.com/library/2008/12/responses-to-illinois-governors-situation-some-of-the-legal-provisions-involved.html)If it helps. > [@](#): > > The Illinois statute that gives the Illinois governor this power , ELECTIONS (10 ILCS 5/25 8), states: > > 'When a vacancy shall occur in the office of United States Senator from this state, the Governor shall make temporary appointment to fill such vacancy until the next election of representatives in Congress, at which time such vacancy shall be filled by election, and the senator so elected shall take office as soon thereafter as he shall receive his certificate of election." > > However, even if the legislature changes this state law, the governor still has 60 days to decide how to respond to it. Within that time he could still make the appointment under existing law. ---
**Author:** ![EddyTeddyFreddy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eddyteddyfreddy/32/18796_2.png) [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Post date:** [December 31, 2008, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/376 "2008-12-31T22:30:15Z")
Blago’s cynical manipulation, which was already in the toilet, [just took a plunge into the Earth’s mantle:](http://www.suntimes.com/news/1356051,CST-NWS-sweet31.article) > [@](#): > > Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-Ill.) would like to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate. The appointment was dangled before him last Wednesday. He turned it down. > > [snip] > > Davis, speaking on the phone from Chicago, said he met with Blagojevich attorney Sam Adam Jr. last Wednesday morning. The two met in Davis’ Chicago office. Davis said he was told “the governor would like to appoint me to the vacant spot.” After Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9, Davis, who sought the appointment from him when he thought Blagojevich was playing it straight, said he would not take the job if offered. > > But he conferred with Adam anyway, out of “respect” for the office of the governor, Davis told me; besides, Blagojevich has not yet been indicted nor found guilty of anything. > > [snip] > > Davis met again with Adam, Friday at 9 a.m. “I indicated I came to the conclusion there was too much discomfort on my part and the part of my family,” Davis said. Anyway, he could not see how the governor could name anyone and make it stick. > > But most important, Davis said he realized that if he took the job, “It would be difficult to generate the trust level people would have to have in me. I just decided there was too much turmoil, too much disagreement. It was something I wanted to do, but I said I would not take an appointment from the governor.” Rep. Davis is black. So it would appear that Blago was hunting for a black politician, any black politician, to appoint, deliberately hauling out the race card. I wonder whether Byron Rush knew this? And if so, whether he cared? ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2009, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/377 "2009-01-01T02:12:22Z")
> [@EddyTeddyFreddy](#): > > Rep. Davis is black. So it would appear that Blago was hunting for a black politician, any black politician, to appoint, deliberately hauling out the race card. Like I said on page 3, he should just appoint Keyes. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7cd45c/32.png) [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Post date:** [January 1, 2009, 3:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/378 "2009-01-01T03:22:37Z")
“The Rev. Jesse Jackson, Line 3. Jesse Jackson…” ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2009, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/379 "2009-01-02T01:05:06Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > Like I said on page 3, he should just appoint Keyes. I would have paid eleventy million dollars to see this happen. ---
**Author:** ![Oslo\_Ostragoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/a9a28c/32.png) [@Oslo\_Ostragoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oslo_Ostragoth)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2009, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396/380 "2009-01-04T05:34:41Z")
AIUI, the committee will present its report Tuesday and the whole House will vote Wednesday. On to the trial in the Senate! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-blagojevich-arrested-what-now/476396.md?page=20)