Will Celebrity Apprentice Decide Most Embarassing Political State?

With the debut of Celebrity Apprentice coming Sunday, get ready for another Blagojevich onslaught. Watching the former Illinois Governor in competition for Donald Trump’s approval in New York will be a reminder that we are not living in the only politically shameful state in the Union. The Empire State's upheaval makes one wonder, which is more dysfunctional, Springfield or Albany? It’s an open question. We are all painfully aware of Rod’s rap sheet, but here are some points for those of you keeping score at home:

• Blago might not be the most embarrassing (former) Governor in America. David Paterson took the reigns over the state of New York after Elliot Sptizer’s prostitution scandal forced him to retire in 2008. Paterson has already announced that he will not run for re-election as he is embroiled in his own scandals that include allegations of domestic violence, lying about World Series tickets, and a brutally funny series of “Saturday Night Live” sketches lampooning him (featuring former Chicagoan Fred Armisen as the Governor).
• New York Representative Charlie Rangel recently resigned his committee chairmanship amidst ethics investigations of corporate junkets to the Caribbean and rent-controlled apartments.
• Both state legislatures have been bogged down by rancorous party politics that have prevented business and allowed massive financially crippling deficits. In Illinois, it’s a record $13 billion. In New York its only close to $9 billion.
• The ticklish Congressman Massa affair.
• Three words: Scott Lee Cohen.

Normally, we’d give the tip of the hat to New York on this one, but as long as Blago refuses to go away and SNL keeps hammering Paterson, this might come down to the ratings. At least we aren’t alone in Illinois because, sadly, the world will be watching political junkies from both states squirm.

Post by: Josh Mogerman