There was a gadfly juror last time that stopped a number of counts. This was always a solid case overall and it shows today.
Judy Baar Topinka’s release:
CHICAGO – Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka released the following statement Monday in response to a jury finding former Gov. Rod Blagojevich guilty of 17 counts against him:
“I am heartened by the Jury’s verdict against Rod Blagojevich, and pleased to see justice after many months of waiting. But make no mistake: this is nothing to celebrate. Through his unconscionable behavior and reckless leadership, Blagojevich inflicted damage on Illinois that will take years, if not generations, to repair. He broke the public trust and mismanaged dollars with a zeal that was unique even in our storied state.
“I find his behavior reprehensible and am personally pleased to see him held responsible. But more important, I hope that today’s verdict delivers a reminder that elected leaders serve the public, not the other way around – and they will be held accountable, even if it takes a while.”
“While I look forward to turning the page on Blagojevich, I hope that the lessons learned from his prosecution live on. Ironically, it would prove to be his greatest contribution to our state.”
Many of us, including her, tried to tell everyone. It’s amazing what it took to get this clown out of office.
Judy is a fine person—but she is as much a part of the problem as most politicians. Rod’s biggest mistake was that he was too direct and that at a time when the Feds were already listening to his conversations, he was openly discussing selling a Senate seat to the highest bidder. As I said a year ago—he forced the Feds to arrest him.
Having said all of that, Rod did the same things that Big Jim and Little Jim did as well as George. But he was far too direct. Forgive me for being crude but it is the difference between a hooker who stands on the corner and a call girl who employs a service. Rod was a hooker, the others more circumspect.
Until the people demand more, this will be standard procedure. Money will always run politics.