Tuesday
Dec092008
U.S. Attorney holds press conference to discuss Governor Blagojevich's charges
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 at 1:54PM
The U.S. Attorney held a press conference to discuss the details of the criminal complaint brought against Governor Rod Blagojevich.
The FBI had placed a bug in the Illinois Governor’s office and tapped his phone, and recorded several instances of conspiring and corruption. In one instance, Blagojevich awarded $8 million to a children’s hospital, and indicated privately he wanted to receive a $50,000 personal contribution from the hospital’s CEO in exchange. When Blagojevich did not receive his donation, he attempted to pull the funding from the hospital.
Most damning of these instances is the attempt by Blagojevich to sell Illinois’s U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder.
“I got here four years ago, a lot of you in audience asked me the question of whether or not Illinois the most corrupt state in the United States,” said Robert Brant, the FBI special agent in charge of the investigation. “I didn't answer that question yes or no, and I can't answer that question today. I don't have 49 other states to compare it with. But I can tell you one thing: if it isn't the most corrupt state in the United States it’s certainly a competitor.”
The FBI had placed a bug in the Illinois Governor’s office and tapped his phone, and recorded several instances of conspiring and corruption. In one instance, Blagojevich awarded $8 million to a children’s hospital, and indicated privately he wanted to receive a $50,000 personal contribution from the hospital’s CEO in exchange. When Blagojevich did not receive his donation, he attempted to pull the funding from the hospital.
Most damning of these instances is the attempt by Blagojevich to sell Illinois’s U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder.
“I got here four years ago, a lot of you in audience asked me the question of whether or not Illinois the most corrupt state in the United States,” said Robert Brant, the FBI special agent in charge of the investigation. “I didn't answer that question yes or no, and I can't answer that question today. I don't have 49 other states to compare it with. But I can tell you one thing: if it isn't the most corrupt state in the United States it’s certainly a competitor.”
Obama declines to comment on Blagojevich, names Education Secretary
“We’ve done a full review of this. The facts are going to be released next week. It would be inappropriate for me to comment,” said Obama during a press conference at Chicago’s Dodge Renaissance Academy.
Obama was similarly tight lipped over whether he would support a special election and stated that while he does not believe the Governor will be able to serve effectively, he will leave the decision to the State Legislature.
The President-elect also filled one his final high profile cabinet positions, nominating the head of the Illinois school system, Arne Duncan, as Education Secretary.
Obama touched upon Duncan’s reform credentials, explaining that the nominee improved teacher quality and rewarded school officials for gains in student achievements.
“He’s shut down failing schools and replaced their entire staffs – even when it was unpopular,” said Obama.
The President-elect linked an improvement in education with long term economic benefits.
“We cannot continue on like this. It is morally unacceptable for our children – and economically untenable for America. We need a new vision for a 21st century education system – one where we aren’t just supporting existing schools, but spurring innovation.”