An Open Letter From Bob Ney To Rod Blagojevich

Dear Rod,

I understand the trauma, frustration and pain that public figures experience while their legal battles play out under a daily microscope.

Believe me, I know firsthand what it’s like living through the American Justice System.

Now that you have been convicted, I’m sure that you and your family are experiencing a myriad of emotions over what happens next…

I write this letter in all sincerity, which is easy to do as I served with you. I always respected your work in the House, and also your cordial, friendly and outgoing attitude that you displayed toward me during your tenure in Washington.

Although our cases are different, with you having been put on trial and me entering a plea, we do share some things in common. Therefore I hope that it is appropriate for me to lend some thoughts…

First, know that people will tend to remember you for the mistakes you’ve made, rather than the wonderful things you achieved during your time in office. That’s been my experience, though make no mistake, I don’t begrudge folks for their feelings about me. As you get set to enter the next phase of your life, you must remember that you accomplished a lot as a Congressman and as Governor.

Nonetheless, you will be judged by both people you know, and don’t know, and their opinions of you will vary based on what they believe you did and how they feel you should be punished. And then there’s the media. As you’re well aware, the chatter class is going to drag you through the mud and the late-night hosts will make you the punchline to all their jokes. But just remember, no matter how dark you think things are going to get, there is life after all of this. Focusing on your friends and family will allow you to pull through the upcoming difficult times.

You have a wonderful wife and family, I know you will always keep them in mind as they cope with your situation. They will give you the strength to move through this.

Personally, I remember feeling helpless during my time in prison. I even felt at times like I was losing my grip on sanity. But thanks to the support of my family, self-help books, and being able to tutor those in prison who were less fortunate than me, I found strength and happiness.

During this time I also talked to several people, but the one who stood out to me the most was Webb Hubbell. My friend Ellen Ratner made me sit down with Webb after my conviction, and I talked to him about life after Morgantown Federal. Most importantly, we talked about making it through the tough times, one day at a time. Rod, it’s important to find someone to talk to who can give you the same strength to keep going both before, during, and after.

As I mentioned earlier, there is life after all of this. I can tell you this because despite what I went through, my life today is full; I work for Ellen Ratner at Talk Radio News Service, run a non-profit foundation called Mending Minds which deals with meditation to help folks who suffer from PTSD and substance abuse, and most importantly, I’m close with my family, which is the most important part of my new life.

The last thing I’ll say is this; Just as there are those who wish you the worst, there are many who wish you the best. Rod, you are a person of strength, intelligence and humor. May you utilize all of these characteristics to the best of your God given ability.

If I can be of help to you or your family in any way, please let me know.

From my family to yours, and from me to you,

God Bless, stay strong, and remember, this is a country of second chances

Sincerely,

Bob Ney

Congress investigates Federal Justice System for selective prosecution

The Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on Commercial and Administrative Law and the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security held a second hearing to address "Allegations of Selective Prosecution" and "The Erosion of Public Confidence in Our Federal Justice System."

Chairwoman Linda Sanchez (D-CA) said the Judiciary Committee has previously investigated "whether the Department of Justice has allowed politics to seep into its decision-making" and now turns its attention to allegations of "Democrats being disproportionately targeted for Federal prosecutions under the current Administration." Sanchez also raised concerns that the DOJ has "investigated allegations of voter fraud" but has ignored vote suppression, citing many recent incidents of Republican efforts to deter non-Republican voters and thwart opposition "get out the vote" campaigns in the 2002 and 2004 elections. Sanchez said that the DOJ's failure to send a witness to testify despite an invitation was "unfortunate."

Witness Rep. Paul Hodes (D-NH) testified about the 2002 Election Day phone-jamming operation conducted by Republican political operatives, noting that witness Allen Raymond had pled guilty for his involvement in the case and that former Republican National Committee Director James Tobin was convicted as well and later acquitted on appeal. He said that it is "unclear" whether the White House was involved in the scandal despite suspicious phone calls made to the White House that day, although witness Paul Twomey said there was "numerous evidence" of its involvement. Finally, Hodes said that there were "major delays" in prosecuting the case and that the DOJ had "at the very least" a "conflict of interest" in its investigation, and Twomey said that the DOJ has "decidedly Republican" interests.

Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-TX) said that previous hearings had shown "there was no illegal or unethical conduct" and cited former Rep. Bob Ney's (R-OH) 2004 congressional case as evidence that the DOJ was "using politics to help one party over another." Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) countered by saying that the hearing was discussing people who had violated laws and been found guilty and said that "the RNC is in big trouble."

Witness Mark Crispin Miller, political analyst and NYU professor, said the DOJ should work to prosecute unlawful Democratic practices as well, and deplored electronic ballot counting machines as a "secret vote count." He said that voter fraud is a "minor problem" that would be much better solved by video cameras in voting areas as opposed to "laws that disenfranchise tens of thousands of people."