Thursday Red Bullets

** All the pundits have diagnosed Gov. Blagojevich (D-IL) as a nut case, sociopath, lunatic, crazy person. Sorry to burst anyone's bubble, but Blago is as sane as all the other IL politicians. This is how IL politics is done. Don't let the Obama cult of personality fool you. Obama is the exception that proves the rule.

** Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) apparently didn't listen to his father closely enough. Identified as "Senate candidate 5" -- the one who allegedly offered $1 million for Obama's seat -- "Jr." as he is known in these parts is steadfastly denying the allegations. His deft denial, however, is classic Jackson. His attorney confirms his denial, but slyly added that Jackson still wants the Senate seat. The attorney, James Montgomery, said, “He’s campaigned for it, he wants it, he’s qualified for it.” And the Jackson's have quick and easy access to the $1 million, too. I'm just saying...

** The investigations continue and the body count grows. One of Blago's deputy governors quietly resigned yesterday. No explanation why. Also Blago's attorney, Bill Quinlan, has been questioned by the Feds.

** What happens next? The calls for Blago's resignation are mounting, but he will not fall on his sword. Only Republicans do that; Democrats have to be torn from office kicking and screaming. Although there are calls for impeachment, it probably will not happen in the special session of the IL General Assembly next week. The main heads of the Dems in IL are remaining strangely silent and a new Assembly convenes in January. Any impeachment action might occur then.

** Can Blago still appoint an IL senator? Sure can! But the Sec. of State Jesse White would have to confirm the appointment (unlikely). The Senate would have to seat the appointee (possible), but then they'd probably vote to expel him/her. Most likely: a special election in February '09. Expect Jackson Jr. to be on that ballot.

** What happened to Chicago's 2016 Olympic hopes? Hear that giant flushing sound? Remember the FBI's Robert Grant quote of the day from Tuesday: "If [Illinois] isn't the most corrupt state in the United States, it's one hell of a competitor." YIKES!

** If you have not read the complaint, read it here: http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/
I'm having a hard time selecting my "favorite" section. I enjoyed his musing about being appointed an ambassador -- that's sort of classic. The whole thing will give you a good look inside the way IL politics really works. If you live in IL, it just makes you sick. If you don't, it'll make you glad you live elsewhere.