Breaking: Obama To Release Blagojevich Contact Info
Pres.-elect Barack Obama's transition comm. dir. Dan Pfeiffer released a statement this afternoon noting that a review has been completed of all staff contact with Gov. Rod Blagojevich. But in an effort to comply with the U.S. attorney's office, release of the transition's findings will be delayed to 12/22. A specific reason for the wait was not specified.
There is no mention in the Pfeiffer statement of Rep. Rahm Emanuel's interaction with the governor. Emanuel, tapped to be Obama's WH chief of staff, provided the governor with a list of candidates sanctioned by the Pres.-elect. But note the line below asserting that no member of Obama's staff was involved in any "inappropriate discussions."
Pfeiffer's statement:
"At the direction of the President-elect, a review of Transition staff contacts with Governor Blagojevich and his office has been conducted and completed and is ready for release. That review affirmed the public statements of the President-elect that he had no contact with the governor or his staff, and that the President-elect's staff was not involved in inappropriate discussions with the governor or his staff over the selection of his successor as US Senator.
"Also at the President-elect's direction, Gregory Graig, counsel to the Transition, has kept the US Attorney's office informed of this fact-gathering process in order to ensure our full cooperation with the investigation.
"In the course of those discussions, the US Attorney's office requested the public release of the Transition review be deferred until the week of December 22, in order not to impede their investigation of the governor. The Transition has agreed to this revised timetable for release."
Why does the media consistently and constantly say the President-elect this or that? Why not just say Barack Obama? It is as if they want to solidify over and over the "president" portion. I dont think I can ever recall a president elect having so much coverage, speaking so much, having his own signs on a podium etc. It is so surreal. Enough already. Doesnt Barack have some things to do before he takes office, like make a memorial trip to his Grandmother's grave? Or maybe perhaps getting some spiritual guidance, family time, something? I know he doesnt attend church and prefers to work out but come on, does he constantly have to be in the news?
Why does the media consistently and constantly say the President-elect this or that? Why not just say Barack Obama? It is as if they want to solidify over and over the "president" portion. I dont think I can ever recall a president elect having so much coverage, speaking so much, having his own signs on a podium etc. It is so surreal. Enough already. Doesnt Barack have some things to do before he takes office, like make a memorial trip to his Grandmother's grave? Or maybe perhaps getting some spiritual guidance, family time, something? I know he doesnt attend church and prefers to work out but come on, does he constantly have to be in the news?
With all the hubbub about Blagojevich, many native Illinoisans remember the good old days when people like the State Auditor Orville Hodge embezzled $6.15 million from the State Treasury and of course Illinois Secretary of State Paul Powell who took hundreds of thousands if not millions from people before he died. It was called the infamous "Shoe Box" Scandal. Hodge served time in prison, yet, none of the money was ever recovered and Powell died before they caught him.
I was a police officer in Springfield at the time Powell died and had an opportunity to tow Powell's car. It was parked in the middle of the street near the St. Nicholas Hotel. Had I known there was $800K in the trunk, you can bet that would not have been found either.
Blagojevich is just a minor league player trying to make it in the majors.
Patrick
"I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Monica Lewinski!" Enough said.
"I did not have sexual relations with that woman, Monica Lewinski!" Enough said.