Mayor Bloomberg had to wade into the messy world of Illinois pay-for-play politics when it was revealed that he donated money to disgraced former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich's 2006 re-election campaign. According to City Room, Bloomberg told reporters that he and Blago had "similar views on abortion rights, gun control laws and the importation of prescription drugs from Canada," and the mayor explained, "I made lots of campaign donations at that time. His was less than some of the others. There was never any scandal about him in those days and so I supported him." (In other words, when you're as rich as me, who can count all the politicians I donate to?) more ›

A Chicago artist sent Chicagoist a photograph demonstrating his commitment to the Windy City: A new tattoo that says "Chicago Style" amidst a hot dog, slice of pizza, Chicago skycrapers, and former governor Rod Blagojevich. Oh, and there's some payola too. This worries us, because if we see an Eliot Spitzer tattoo with the Statue of Liberty on one side, Ashley Dupre on the other and some thin crust pizza and black socks, we'll know it's the end of days. Or maybe end of days will be the Pedro Espada Jr. tattoo (with images of sushi, Pedro G., etc.) more ›

In what might be the peak of the impeached former Ililnois governor's media whirlwind, Rod Blagojevich appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman. He walked out towards Letterman to the tune of "My Way" (video) and Letterman wasted no time:

Letterman: "Why exactly are you here, honest to God? more ›

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has been bringing his case—and his head of thick hair—to NYC media outlets. He hit up Good Morning America, where he told Diane Sawyer that he considered appointing to the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama. The impeached governor whose trial begins at noon (no, he won't be there) explained that he realized "she probably wouldn't take it, and then if you offered it to her, how would you do it in a way that wasn't a gimmick to embarrass her." He also quoted Kipling again. Blago is also appeared on the Today Show and will head to The View (!!!!) and Larry King today. It's unclear how Blago's trial will go, consider his lead defense attorney dropped out, but senior Senator from Illinois Dick Durbin was not amused by the governor's NYC media blitz: "That’s the governor’s choice as to what he does with his time, but Barbara Walters is not on his jury." more ›

Roland Burris, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's Senate appointee, may have implied he's the Lord's Senate Appointee but that doesn't mean you can enter the Senate's chambers! Burris held a press conference, explaining that the Senate's Secretary turned him away for not having the proper credentials. The Senate secretary's argument was that Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White hadn't approved Burris's appointment and, according to CNN, "Rule 2 of the Standing Rules of the Senate states that the secretary of state must sign the certificate of election along with the governor." Burris's lawyer said, "We were not allowed to be placed in the record books. We were not allowed to proceed to the floor for purposes of taking oath, all of which we think was improperly done and it is against the law of this land." This drama will undoubtedly continue, so in the meantime, watch how Stephen Colbert Alan Colmes examine the taint around Burris. more ›

Let's step away for a moment from NY State Senate replacement drama to observe the insanity in Illinois: Allegedly corrupt Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will reportedly name a replacement to President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat. The Chicago Tribune points out this is in spite of Senate Democrats' warnings that they won't seat whomever he names. Blago's rumored pick is former Illinois AG former Roland Burris, 71, who "has said that Obama's replacement should be able to win re-election and he has noted that despite a string of primary losses in races ranging from Chicago mayor to governor and U.S. senator, he's never lost to a Republican." Blago has scheduled a news conference for 2 p.m. And, currently, the Blago impeachment panel is on holiday. more ›

As the President-elect vacations in Hawaii, his transition team released a 5-page report emphasizing that Barack Obama had "no contact with Gov. Rod Blagojevich or his office and no one acting on Obama's behalf was involved in any 'quid pro quo' arrangement the governor allegedly sought for filling the vacant Senate seat with a candidate of Obama's choosing," according to Chicago Breaking News. Is it worth noting that the report was issued late on Christmas Eve Eve? The report says that incoming White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel had one or two conversations with Blago, but apparently the conversations were above board. From Politico: "The report does not say so, but an Obama adviser told Politico that at least one of Emanuel's calls was taped as part of the federal investigation into corruption in the governor's office." more ›

Embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich made his first public remarks after being accused of trying to sell a soon-to-be vacated Senate seat and other charges. Besides saying he would not resign, Blago started off with, "I'm here to tell you right off the bat that I am not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing, that I intend to stay on the job, and I will fight this thing every step of the way. I will fight, I will fight, I will fight until I take my last breath." more ›

We learn more today about Flatbush-born, "Blago-destroyer" US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. As a leader in going after terrorists since the 1993 WTC attack, he apparently can still recite from memory Osama Bin Laden's 1000-word fatwa declaring war against the US in 1998. Yet another colleague mentions, "He is a disorganized genius—if he didn't remember where things were, no one would ever find it in his office." And did you know that the Regis High School grad was one of People's "sexiest men alive" in 2005? As for his future following the traditional resignation of all US Attorneys at an administration change, Senator Schumer has strongly encouraged new Attorney General Eric Holder that Fitzgerald remain at his post. Schumer said, "(Fitzgerald) has a deserved reputation of being totally non-political and totally on the merits and a tough and strong prosecutor, and I think leaving it in his hands is exactly the right way to go." more ›

President-elect Obama, during a press conference to announce former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as the head of Health and Human Services, discussed Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's alleged corruption. Obama emphasized that his staff has not been involved with deal-making for the Senate seat Obama is vacating, "That would be a violation of everything that this campaign has been about." more ›

Who doesn't love an embattled, corrupt governor? Especially when he was apparently trying to sell President-elect Obama's Senate seat? Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is on the cover of the NY Post and Daily News, which devote a serious amount of ink to the scandal. Of course, we're a little disappointed there's no board game imagery on the Post's front page—it Operation Board Games and all. more ›

The allegations against Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (a Democrat; pictured), who is now in federal custody, are stunning. Trying to sell or trade President-elect Obama's Senate seat? Check. Shaking down a hospital for sick children? Check. Trying to influence the Tribune's editorial board? Check! more ›

Tri-Staters, since we've had a trifecta of gubernatorial resignations (Rowland, McGreevey and Spitzer), it sort of feels good to know that other states' governors suck too, right? Intensely disliked Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (D) was taken into custody by the feds this morning at his Chicago home; his spokesman initially told a reporter, "Haven't heard anything -- you are first to call." While Blago has been the subject of a three-year corruption investigation, the Chicago Tribune reports the probe has "expanded to include his impending selection of a new U.S. senator to succeed President-elect Barack Obama." More fun: Blago also was angling to be named Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Obama administration AND wanted to get members of the Trib's editorial board fired for, uh, editorials critical of his administration. Troopergate almost seems quaint now! more ›