Friday, December 12, 2008
News / Clout City Blago to Trib: Let's Make a Deal
Posted by Ben Joravsky on Fri, Dec 12, 2008 at 1:00 PM
When I heard the news that the feds had tapped Governor Blagojevich's phones and had caught him wheeling and dealing and trading favors for big-time economic deals, I thought: Please, please, please let it be the Olympics.
After all, nothing would kill that boondoggle faster than having it snared in the swamp of sleazy state politics. But, alas, it turned out the deal in question was only the old Wrigley Field handout.
Silly me, I thought Mayor Daley had killed that deal months ago when he opposed it on the perfectly reasonable grounds that we can't afford it -- the state and city being broke and all.
Now it turns out that it's like some sort of monster crawling out from the grave to terrorize the citizenry and fleece the taxpayers to the tune of $100 to $150 million -- as if anyone really knows the full amount.
As you may recall, former governor Jim Thompson, who was acting as the front man on this proposal, pitched it as necessary to keep whoever bought the Cubs from destroying Wrigley Field. To which Mayor Daley responded that there was no chance that the new Cubs owner would be dumb enough to kill a cash cow like Wrigley Field.
In any event, it was satisfying to eavesdrop on Blago's private conversation with John Harris, his chief of staff (who resigned today), to see what the deal's revival was really all about.
"Rod Blagojevich and Harris then discussed the details of the deal the Cubs are trying to get through the IFA ISFA [a state agency]," according to the complaint. "Harris said that it is basically a tax mitigation scheme where the IFA ISFA will 'own title to the building' (believed to be Wrigley Field), and the Tribune will not 'have to pay capital gains tax.' Harris explained that the total gain to the Tribune is in the neighborhood of $100 million. Rod Blagojevich said, '$100 million is nothing to sneeze at. That's still worth something isn't it?'"
Yes, governor, it certainly is worth something. I was hoping that what would follow would be a sophisticated analysis between Blago and his economic brain trust as to exactly what it was worth to the ordinary citizens of our illustrious state. You know -- what are the pros and cons of buying Wrigley Field from the Cubs and what do we, the general public, get for giving the Trib such a boon?
But, no, instead Blagojevich and Harris launched into a discussion of how they could swap the tax break for getting the Tribune to fire a nettlesome editorial board member.
I know, I know -- $100 million ain't what it used to be. But, still, you have to figure this is truly a rich country when the governor's willing to trade at least $100 million for one largely unknown editorial-page writer. For that sort of change you'd think he could get Eric Zorn or John Kass.
Anyway, the only good to come out of all of this is that it ought to kill once and for all any possibility that this idiotic handout will go through, since there's clearly no public benefit to the state buying Wrigley Field.
I would hope that Mayor Daley's deliberations over the pros and cons of spending billions on the Olympics are a little more sophisticated. But without a federal wiretap, I guess we'll never know.
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How much income does this site take in? How much does Ben and Mick get, not enough! The man takes it all!
The real reason Prez Obama want Arne Duncan to be Education Secretary. He needs someone to play Basketball with in Washington.
whats the big deal. drunk jack makes all kinds of deals. he'd sell his own mother. You see, jack is the real mayor of rosemont just like jimmie is the real gov. drunk jack will install his own guy to replace the dummy mayor. drunk jack is bad news. I can not stand drunk jack.
I see Coconut was able to hang on to his house. I am suprised the media values his opinion,on JJJ.There a lot of people who have more information Re:JJJ than some loud mouth from Edison Pk. James Montgomery is a brillant Atty,and a Ho and sell out .
Pat Quinn stated we don't need a special election,just trust him. Also, the Madigans are on some bullshit. Check out the Bloghttp://www.suntimes.com/news/blogentries/index.html?bbPostId=Cz92rnFRd7GOJCzEwW8TMs1knhCz2pUO1g6u11MB4hU6hZMacdn&bbParentWidgetId=B8k88rWwXopuz5STgLeVwBLu
http://www.suntimes.com/news/blogentries/index.html?bbPostId=Cz92rnFRd7GOJCzEwW8TMs1knhCz2pUO1g6u11MB4hU6hZMacdn&bbParentWidgetId=B8k88rWwXopuz5STgLeVwBLu
Sam Zell exploits people in trailer parks.
From the wise readers of the SCC blog: "Attorney General Lisa Madigan is directly behind Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn in the line of gubernatorial succession. Don't rule out this scenario: Blagojevich is out and is succeeded by Quinn. Quinn names himself to Obama's junior senator vacancy. Unlike other local Democrats, Quinn does have a relatively untarnished reputation. That leaves us with Lisa Madigan as governor. 12/12/2008 09:21:00 PM" And lisa claims to be concerned only with the 'best interests of the people'? Yeah, sure, that's the ticket. http://secondcitycop.blogspot.com/
OREO, Everyone values my oppinion, even your shit-head Mayor.
Eliminate the negative: Blago, Daley, Toddler Stroger--all crooks Positive: Pat Quinn as governor good people in the US Senate post (not 1 through 5) and the 5th District Congressional seat Time for TERM LIMITS!!!! Time for a change in the culture of corruption and an end to the combine.
drunk jack is cheap jack or no tip jack. jimmy dick leo is a big tipper. his name may be dick but he is always good for a crisp 20 out of the freezer.
Patrick McDonough vs City of Chicago, et al. Case No. 6:07-cv-02732 Subpoena for deposition scheduled for December --, 2008 for Frank Coconate. Happy Holidays DesPlaines Resident Patrick McDonough!
Keep Rockin Thank Mayor Daley Got Some Bush? Off the Hook! No time for Daley!
Why is Coconate aggressively seeking to destroy McDonough the plumber. Why are you going out of your way to help Daley? If you don't like the Plumber ,why don't you just avoid contact with him? Shouldn't our focus be on The Machine instead of each other?
Stop, Ben, please stop. I can't take it anymore. I love Richard M. Daley like an uncle I've never met and seriously, you're killing me. Rich and John Daley are the two smartest men in Chicago so I'm begging you stop taking them apart.
http://bp0.blogger.com/_vmpSO2BbYCE/SJQE5MPW45I/AAAAAAAACGA/9BqY36YYXm8/s1600-h/daley+jfwd.jpg Next
I'm meeting with the President so he can thank me for helping his war effort even though I didn't pick up a gun or go over seas. Also , he is the only BUSH I'll ever touch! McDonough stay off the board or we will make you move from DesPlaines!
On Thursday, however, Quinn said a special election could be skipped if he were to become governor, all in the interests of saving potentially tens of millions of dollars in voting costs and allowing Illinois to more quickly send a new senator to Washington in a turbulent time. Quinn, a politician who made his name advocating voter initiatives, public referendums and recall of public officials, suddenly does not want people to have a say on their next senator. "I've had to reflect on that in the last couple of days," Quinn said. Several top lawmakers disagreed with Quinn's new views. "To avoid any appearance of impropriety, you've got to hold an election," said House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego. Despite Quinn's change of heart, Senate President Emil Jones and House Speaker Michael Madigan still plan to ask lawmakers to approve legislation next week to strip the governor's Senate appointment. Why is Pat Quinn flip flaping on giving the people the choice? Pat Quinn also received campaign contributions from Tony Rezko too. Patrick Fitzgerald had to make an immediately arrest of Blogo 'to protect the public" at his home instead of his office,or have him turn himself in.? Blogo bail was just a measley $4500. I never heard of a menace to society being given such a low bail. Also Blogo was never indicted,only arrested. Why did Patrick Fitzgerald stop the investigation so soon? Some are saying other Politicans were about to enter the roach motel,before Fitzgerald shut it down. The Governor's attempted shake down of the hospital was done a while back. Why not arrest him then ,instead of waiting. Something doesn't smell good. If Blogo is guilty let him face justice.
Quinn's already cut himself a deal, to wit: 1. strip blago of his authority, via the judicial branch's cooperation 2. assume the authority of the governor's office 3. appoint himself the u. s. senator 4. lisa becomes governor 5. popa madigan now controls the executive branch of our state's government & the legislative branch 6. crook county politicians rule the entire state 7. daley walks around with a 24/7 hard-on, sans viagra assistance all in the name of 'the people's best interests'.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OU993Dihlm8
diabolical, ain't it?, I would rather have Blago as Govenor, than have the lace curtain irish running this state.
I am glad Coconate works in Bensenville. Too bad he is too broke to move into the town he works in! Is Coconate really a Polack? Sorry to the Chicago Polish!
Its seems strange both Quinn, and Madigan were Blogo cheer leaders.Now they going for his throat'The whole state Democratic power structure - Michael Madigan was a co-chair of Blago's re-election campaign - is guilty of aiding and abetting this guy.
Two years Pat Quinn couldn't get enough of Blogo. A guy named Gregory busted Quinn out for his hypocrisy. David Gregory just nailed Pat Quinn for saying in 2006 that Blago was a man of honesty and integrity.
Obama's camp is doing some serious damage control. Rahm Emanuel pulled one of his wheeler dealer moves and got caught talking on the wire, Axelrod spoke too soon and now is in trouble. It's always wonderful to head into office with a flaming train wreck in your past. This is only gonna get worse. Likewise our King Richard didn't look to good on camera discussing it yesterday. Kinda had that constipated look of "what did I just eat and how long is this gonna take to get out of my system."
If Pat Quinn makes deal with Madigan are they not as guilty as Blago!!! This State is really fucked up!
Frank I was at Sallys for breakfast and some guys were talking about you one table over. I heard you suffered some sort of loss in court. Whats the deal? Whats your deal with Avila. Explain your deal with him. Whats your problem with Stewart? Whos the better lawyer? Tell us more. Inquiring mind wants to know.
Frank attacks only people who have befriended him.Frank Coconate is truely a sewer Rat.
sewer rat, A better name for you is, CHICKEN SHIT!
Bob Cooley who brought down the first ward did a TV show on the BBC about Chicago Corruption and Blago. Check the Youtube links Riz Khan - Blagojevich's turndown - Dec 11 - Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65kbhSg15qs&feature=channel_page Riz Khan - Blagojevich's turndown - Dec 11 - Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5S0UPyPXSs
Prez Obama hasn't even been sworn in and his Administration is facing a scandal. Prez must throw Daley under the bus,if he wants to survive.
For 100 million the Reader would of got rid Ben Joravsky
Frank Coconuts should stay at Mark Brown Masturbation School.
From which you received your 'masters' degree, no doubt.
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