Aside from reinforcing the stereotype about corrupt politics in Illinois and Chicago, Tuesday's arrest of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich presents a problem for Democrats and for President-elect Barack Obama.
Blagojevich faces federal bribery and fraud charges after a series of alleged - and amazing - schemes and deal-making episodes that were revealed Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald. Among the allegations are that Blagojevich tried to get cash or a new job in return for the Senate appointment to replace Obama. The 52-year-old governor also is accused of trying to get editorial writers fired at the Chicago Tribune, and for trying to withhold state funds for a children's hospital in Chicago until he received a campaign contribution he asked for.
Obama isn't accused of anything, and by all accounts the president-elect and Illinois governor are not friendly and operate in different political circles. But the connection to Obama's former Senate seat poses problems of perception and procedure.
Throughout the presidential campaign, Obama's Republican rival, Arizona Sen. John McCain, tried to paint the Democratic nominee as just another Chicago politician of questionable character. The charge didn't stick with many voters, but it's a connection Obama has tried to minimize. The national attention, and direct connection to Obama's former Senate seat, won't help that effort.
There's also the fact that both Blagojevich and Obama are connected to Chicago businessman Tony Rezko, who has been convicted of using his clout with the governor to earn millions of dollars in political kickbacks. The connection to Rezko was a minor drag on Obama during the presidential campaign.
More important is the question of who else was involved in the discussions Blagojevich had about the Senate seat. Obama on Tuesday said he "had no contact with the governor or his office" and was not aware of any of the possible dealing by Blagojevich for the appointment of his successor. But there are indications that the Obama camp may have had discussions with the governor or his team about the post, as would be expected. Apparently, there's a wealth of recordings of Blagojevich's phone conversations. If anyone associated with the Obama camp were involved in those discussions, it will come to light eventually.
Finally, there's the matter of the governor's conversations with prospective appointees. It will be interesting to see if any of the people who reportedly are interested in the position talked to the governor. If they did, and if they discussed deals for the appointment, there will be problems for the Democratic Party. Some of the reported potential suitors for the post are in Congress or in other political posts.
The bottom line is that, for a president-elect who will ride into the White House representing a change from politics as usual, any connection for him or his party to Blagojevich and alleged abuses of power will represent a lingering cloud. Just how dark that cloud is remains to be seen.
Blagojevich faces federal bribery and fraud charges after a series of alleged - and amazing - schemes and deal-making episodes that were revealed Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald. Among the allegations are that Blagojevich tried to get cash or a new job in return for the Senate appointment to replace Obama. The 52-year-old governor also is accused of trying to get editorial writers fired at the Chicago Tribune, and for trying to withhold state funds for a children's hospital in Chicago until he received a campaign contribution he asked for.
Obama isn't accused of anything, and by all accounts the president-elect and Illinois governor are not friendly and operate in different political circles. But the connection to Obama's former Senate seat poses problems of perception and procedure.
Throughout the presidential campaign, Obama's Republican rival, Arizona Sen. John McCain, tried to paint the Democratic nominee as just another Chicago politician of questionable character. The charge didn't stick with many voters, but it's a connection Obama has tried to minimize. The national attention, and direct connection to Obama's former Senate seat, won't help that effort.
There's also the fact that both Blagojevich and Obama are connected to Chicago businessman Tony Rezko, who has been convicted of using his clout with the governor to earn millions of dollars in political kickbacks. The connection to Rezko was a minor drag on Obama during the presidential campaign.
More important is the question of who else was involved in the discussions Blagojevich had about the Senate seat. Obama on Tuesday said he "had no contact with the governor or his office" and was not aware of any of the possible dealing by Blagojevich for the appointment of his successor. But there are indications that the Obama camp may have had discussions with the governor or his team about the post, as would be expected. Apparently, there's a wealth of recordings of Blagojevich's phone conversations. If anyone associated with the Obama camp were involved in those discussions, it will come to light eventually.
Finally, there's the matter of the governor's conversations with prospective appointees. It will be interesting to see if any of the people who reportedly are interested in the position talked to the governor. If they did, and if they discussed deals for the appointment, there will be problems for the Democratic Party. Some of the reported potential suitors for the post are in Congress or in other political posts.
The bottom line is that, for a president-elect who will ride into the White House representing a change from politics as usual, any connection for him or his party to Blagojevich and alleged abuses of power will represent a lingering cloud. Just how dark that cloud is remains to be seen.
