IL GOV. BLAGOJEVICH IN FEDERAL CUSTODY: SENATE APPOINTMENT CLINCHER
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 08:36AM 
Tribune photo: IL Gov. Blagojevich yesterday 12-8-08IL Governor Rod Blagojevich was taken into federal custody this morning. Federal agents arrested the Governor at his home at approximately 6 am. A complaint was filed; however, the document has not been unsealed so the charges are all speculation at this time.
TIMING = SENATE APPOINTMENT
There is a lot of political pressure in IL right now regarding who Gov. Blagojevich will appoint to the Senate seat. It was reported that one of his top aides agreed to wear a wiretap several weeks ago. My speculation is that these conversations were about who Blagojevich will appoint to the Senate seat that will replace Barack Obama. The Feds needs just a little something more to get him. This was it. Who wants to pay to play?
"Pay to play" isn't a new allegation in this administration. Tony Rezco, one of Blagojevich's top fundraisers, was convicted by the feds earlier this year. (Obama is linked to Rezco as well, keep in mind!) Also, Blagojevich has been accused of "pay to play" in granting state contracts.
There is a reason why this arrest comes at this time. The feds have been investigating him for years. It must be because of Senate appoinment-related issues.
I have met with Gov. Blagojevich and some of his advisors. I know people who deal with him. I have never witnessed any promises being made; in fact, I have seen just the opposite. They've promised me that they'll start granting pardons (no, not mine) and he hasn't budged. Well, maybe that's because he had other pressures! Remember, this Gov. also has about 2000 pardon petitions on his desk. He granted ONE last year - and that was a scandal in and of itself. Understandably so...
A presser is set for this afternoon. We'll hear the specific charges then.