AP Photo/Verna Sadock
Well, here's hoping today is a bit more exciting than yesterday, stupid Tuesday doldrums. What's that? Blago-who? Oh. Him. Yes. Well, in case you missed it, are new to the site, or just want something nice and concise ('cause who doesn't?), here's what we've covered regarding the man who's about to become our fourth governor in 35 years to go to the clink.
- Though weren't completely shocked by it, Governor Blagojevich's arrest still had us spitting out our morning coffee.
- We picked out our favorite excerpts from the official federal complaint, including this nugget: “I’ve got this thing and it’s fucking golden, and, uh, uh, I’m just not giving it up for fuckin’ nothing. I’m not gonna do it. And, and I can always use it. I can parachute me there.” Also? You have to admire the balls of a man who calls the President-Elect a "motherfucker."
- We liveblogged US Attorney Pat Fitzgerald's press conference in which he noted that "...it would make Lincoln roll over in his grave."
- We took a closer look at John Harris aka "the other guy who was arrested."
- We discovered Sean Connery had given Blagojevich a lesson a long time ago.
- We explored what our fine friends around the interwebs had to say about yesterday's events.
- We explored the possibility that incoming Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel might have been the one to tip the feds off on Blago.
- We listened to Obama respond and girded ourselves for a special election to elect a new senator.
- Finally, we discovered Blago looks like a Lego man.



Happy birthday, Blago!
He's "sad, surprised and innocent".
Matilda, you're right....this man really is insane. He has to be clinically insane. Maybe he'll use the insanity defense...it just might work too because nobody in their right minds would have done what he's been doing and saying.
That picture looks like the cover of a Hardy Boys novel. "The Case of the Greedy Governor."
Yea, Blago is probably screwed. I recommend for him to start drinking heavily. His wife is freaking hot though..am I right or what?
I think the picture makes him look a lot like Marv Albert.
I have a few questions about the possibility of a special election for U.S. senator that I've seen no media outlet really address and that Chicagoist might want to take on. Maybe you could call a constitutional lawyer or a judge or something, or maybe somebody here in commentland actually knows something. (I'd do it myself, but I'm lazy.)
1. My understanding of the Illinois constitution is that the legislature meets in scheduled sessions, the next one of which begins January 12. The only way the legislature can meet outside these times is through a special session called by the governor. If this is the case, do Madigan and Jobes have any legal right to call their respective bodies into session next week? Would the results survive a court challenge?
2. My understanding further states that in order for any bill put forth by the state legislature to become law, it must be signed by the governor. Rod would not sign a bill surrendering his right to pick the senator. He probably wouldn't veto it, either, because it would be overridden. He'd just leave it sitting on his desk as long as is legally allowed. Can the legislature even call for a special election without the governor?
3. The 17th amendment of the US Constitution, in typically vague language, states that senate vacancies in all states are filled by state governors, though there's this rider about legislative approval. So if the legislature manages to hold a special election, is it even Constitutional? Again, would it survive a court challenge?
I think the picture makes him look a lot like Marv Albert.
YES!
And it counts!
The breaking news on the Trib site now features the excellent juxtaposition of Blago getting into an SUV in the alley behind his house with a city rat warning sign in the foreground.
Yes, I saw that sign, I thought it fitted the scene well.
His wife is freaking hot though..am I right or what?
I said this earlier. I've seen her in person a few times and like I said, I wouldn't mind seeing her in one of those prison frocks, on her knees scrubbing down a floor, a few strands of hair falling into her face as she contemplate what she ever saw in that puffy-faced, Dondi-haired idiot. and then I walk by and offer her a cigarette and then...
Oh, sorry, forgot you were all here....
BTW, the "Dondi" reference was in regard to a comic strip character I always thought Blago looked like.
Dondi
Best Tuesday since super Tuesday.
omigod....Dondi....that is hysterical, and btw, I didn't need to reference that.