Think Progress

Chicago reporter suggests Rahm Emanuel may have ‘tipped’ off federal investigators about Blagojevich.

Marcy Wheeler catches local Chicago press reporting that Rahm Emanuel may have tipped off federal investigators that Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) was engaging in corrupt acts. Jack Conaty, a Chicago reporter for the local Fox affiliate, said on-air that Rahm Emanuel might have been responsible for causing federal investigators to act quickly to apprehend Blagojevich this morning:

CONATY: We did receive a tip this morning that perhaps all of this came together so quickly because the Governor may have reached out to Rahm Emanuel, the president-elect’s chief of staff, in attempting to leverage filling the Senate seat. And it may have been Rahm Emanuel who tipped the scale and made this move as quickly as it did.

Watch it:

Update Greg Sargent reports that a source close to Rahm says the story is "not true," adding that it's the "result of some overzealous reporting."


60 Responses to “Chicago reporter suggests Rahm Emanuel may have ‘tipped’ off federal investigators about Blagojevich.”

  1. spencers mom says:

    Um, are we now supposed to consider FuxNews an actual news service? Call my cynical, but I’ll wait for a real news source to confirm or deny any such rumor.

    PEACE


  2. Buckie Boy says:

    OH MY GAWD, we are going to have a very HONEST ADMINISTRATION very soon…

    ….thank you, I am sick to death of the BUSH MAFIA WAR CRIMINALS.


  3. pax says:

    So what?
    I am glad if he did!


  4. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Fox News Channel has, unfortunately for them, ruined their own reputation for objective journalism thanks to their “cozy” relationship with the Bush White House.

    That being said, I hope it’s true that the feds were tipped off by Rahm Emanuel. And I hope that, if true, this fact is publicly confirmed. It really would send a message that President Obama is as uncorruptable as the Bush Administration was corruptable.


  5. avchavis says:

    If this is true, good for Rahm Emanuel! I’m glad to see that corrupt politicians can go to jail for crime – I’m hoping that George Bush and Dick Chaney will be forced to do the same! That would be cause for celebration!


  6. Keltoi at Night says:

    Ha! God, I hope this is true! Not only would it be a great sign for the integrity of the new Admin, but it would be such a major slap down by Rahmbo. I can just hear him doing his best Malone (Sean Connery) impression:

    “Dey pull a knife? You pull a gunne! Dey send one a yours to the hospital? You send one a ders to da morgue! Dats de Chicago way!”

    Beating them at the own game.

    The R’s should be veerrry scared.


  7. lokidog says:

    This makes sense to me. Most from IL have known it was only a matter of time before Blagojevich was charged with some type of corruption – but dealt with state contracts in exchange for campaign contributions, other bribes, etc..

    The US Senator scandal came out of the blue – I believe anyone following IL politics was caught by surprise on this (but not surprised Blagojevich would attempt something so sleazy).

    If the above is true – and I see no reason to believe it’s not – Obama’s integrity continues to impress and set the standard for all politicians to emulate.


  8. lokidog says:

    BTW, the local FOX affiliate should not be confused with the pathetic Ailes monstrosity known as the FAUX News Channel. Yes, both FOX – but local reporting/journalism is a different animal than the Sean Handjob channel pretends to practice.


  9. 49erDem says:

    Maybe Rahm heard about Blagdovich calling Obama a “mofo.” Rahm Emanuel plays hard ball and when it’s hardball that’s used to root out corruption, I’m all for it! If it’s true, nice going Emanuel!


  10. Curlew says:

    ….and in other news. FIXED News reported today…. Shouldn’t that be evidence enough for anyone with an IQ greater than a snail that there is something wrong with the reporting?


  11. 49erDem says:

    lokidog makes a good point. The FOX affiliate in my area is nothing like FOX NEWS on cable. I live in a relatively liberal area and our FOX affiliate rarely, if ever, engages in conservative propaganda.


  12. 5th Estate says:

    Umm… folks? Here’s the problem with the ‘tip-off’ suggestion:

    It would arguably mean that Rahm Emanuel influenced an ongoing investigation for political ‘advantage’–to have it brought forward on HIS insistence rather than being allowed to mature in its own time, with the charges being brought by the investigation officials ONLY when the case was ready to be presented.

    Sound familiar?

    I don’t trust the source (very vague and Fox of course) but if true I’m afraid it is NOT in fact ‘good’ news


  13. JaneaneTheAcerbicGoblin says:

    Being from Chicago, and having seen Jack Conaty’s reporting before, the Chicago Fox affliate is not like the national Fox “News” Channel. Conaty is reminiscent of a hard boiled reporter from the 1950’s, tough and cynical. He’s not a right wing flunkie like Hannity and his ilk.


  14. Wayne A. Schneider says:

    Glad to hear that Fox News Chicago is not like the cable Fox “News” Channel. (Thanks, guys.) Now I feel better about the validity fo this report. I still would like it publicly confirmed.


  15. lokidog says:

    5th Estate, you lost me.

    If Emanuel talked to Blagojevich regarding the Senate appointment – which is completely above board and had every reason to – and in the course of that was made an “offer” (or whatever), should he NOT have gone to Fitzgerald or the US Attorney?

    I don’t understand why reporting a bribe or potential crime – if that’s how it went down – can be “bad”.


  16. Keltoi at Night says:

    5th Estate Says:
    Umm… folks? Here’s the problem with the ‘tip-off’ suggestion:

    It would arguably mean that Rahm Emanuel influenced an ongoing investigation for political ‘advantage’–to have it brought forward on HIS insistence rather than being allowed to mature in its own time, with the charges being brought by the investigation officials ONLY when the case was ready to be presented.

    I dunno, 5th. Allowing the case to mature in its own time would mean that Blago would have got to appoint that Senate replacement for more than “appreciation”. What postion would that have left the appointee in when the indictment did break, even if they were clean (which was surely not Blago’s plan)?

    Seems to me Rahmbo short circuited something that could have damaged his Boss – exactly what a CoF should be doing, IMHO.


  17. lokidog says:

    I still would like it publicly confirmed.

    Me, too, Wayne. But I’m wondering – if true – if that is something Fitzgerald would make public. Now, anyways.


  18. CageyCretin says:

    If true, then it still sounds like good news. If the “political capital” Emanuel hopes to earn is that of being tough on corrupt politicians, then by all means proceed. Fitzgerald would not have proceeded with this, particularly in the fashion he did, if he was not ready (at least by all accounts of what I have seen of him). If the new tone being set by this incoming administration is that if a politician breaks the law, that politician goes to jail — well, hell, that is precisely what is needed — and in force.

    I would feel so much better if there were sweeping investigations in the government at all levels in an attempt to remove and punish the criminals. No one is above the law, and these days our government is defined by rampant corruption and cronyism. To some people that is enough justification for a pre-emptive strike.


  19. katy says:

    http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rod-blagojevich-illinois-governor-6,0,5047903.story

    Robert Grant, FBI special agent in charge of the Chicago office, characterized Illinois’ place in the pantheon of political corruption.

    “If it isn’t the most corrupt state in the United States, it’s certainly one hell of a competitor,” Grant said. “Even the most cynical agents in our office were shocked.”

    Grant said he called Blagojevich about 6 a.m. and told the governor that two FBI agents were outside his door and that they had a warrant for his arrest.

    how ’bout that for a wake-up call…

    very embarrassing, as an illinoisan…
    i’ve been concentrating on the federal level… knew they were after this guy though…


  20. katy says:

    keltoi @17, 5th, etc:

    Fitzgerald said the investigation into Blagojevich continues, but authorities acted today to avoid further harm taking place.

    “I was not going to wait until March or April or May to get it all nice and tidy” and bring charges,” he said. “I think that would be irresponsible.”

    from above link.


  21. lokidog says:

    very embarrassing, as an illinoisan…

    Amen.

    Blagojevich was always too smooth (and shaky) for my taste, but I do admit to voting for him, mainly because of his opposition (or lack thereof).

    The last decent Governor we had was a Republican: Jim Edgar.

    The good news (for us) now is that Pat Quinn takes over. And all I know of him is encouraging. A real fighter on the environment, for consumers, against the utilities here – you probably know. Impeccable character from what I am aware.

    Hopefully Blago will the the last corrupt Governor we have (crossing fingers).


  22. Game of Life says:

    Oh please with the “might have.” Are they the Star now.

    “might have” GTFOOH


  23. Jackie says:

    No one had to tip of the Feds they were on G-Rod’s case of crimes for over 3 years. The blog site justiceleague00.blogspot.com as SPB reported for more then 2 years the crimes G-Rod has been committing. Now Pat Fitzgerald was just collecting evidence until he had a solid case before the indicted the Govenor. The Media never followed G-Rod’s crimes but Pat was always there. Some might not remember the garbage full of money Rezko gave G-Rod which was told during the hearing. Pat never charged G-Rod but waited as G-Rod thought he got away with another crime and just continued. Don’t bother to ask Randall Samborn for anymore information then what is released he will always answer with ” No Comment”.


  24. katy says:

    lokidog – i too have heard good things about quinn…

    unless, he was part of that constitutional convention deal…

    curious – where are you? chicago?

    i am in so. central ill… very red here…

    errands to run now…


  25. 5th Estate says:

    Ah… loki, keltoi/night….I understand, and thanks for the added info katy.

    I was thinking about how it could be characterized ( and may still be by the w(R)ong, without my looking into the specifics. My bad.


  26. katy says:

    waiting for a call-back, found this at C&L:

    Crooks and Liars has two bloggers from Illinois on staff, who weigh in:

    http://crooksandliars.com/node/24505


  27. lokidog says:

    katy -

    Yes, in Chicago. Walk by “Fortress Obama” (Federal Bldg.) every day coming and going to work. Have had the “pleasure” of meeting Blagojevich (and Ryan, too – maybe I’m a jinx – LOL) as I’m near the State of IL (Thompson Center) building and City Hall.

    Little story: Back in 2002, I was going to lunch, walking by the Thompson Center. Heard some guy speaking in the plaza – usual during the summer lunch hour – and stopped to listen as I was mezmerized (AG Lisa Madigan was standing next to him). The guy was speaking about domestic violence, I couldn’t NOT help listening to him. There were probably 15 or so people milling about. I waited until he was done and then walked up and introduced myself, telling him his speech was impressive as hell. He said his name was Barack Obama. I knew he was a State Senator from reading the Chicago Trib, but I had never seen him. I told him (and this is the gospel truth) “Man, you need to think about running for higher office”. He laughed, said he hears that a lot, you never know, blah blah blah. I went on my way and was overjoyed when he announced for US Senate. I just wish I would have “ingratiated” myself and hung around him a little more! What an idiot I am!!

    Let’s hope I’m wrong about that “jinx” thing above! LOL

    Keep the faith.


  28. barfly says:

    Where’s all the hand-wringing Dems, like Regular Joe?

    I thought Emanuel was evil incarnate.


  29. hazmaq says:

    Rahm calling in a tip about Blag was likely not about ethics.

    Rahm has never been known for doing anything unless it suited his own purposes, because he sure as hell didn’t do it to help Obama.

    Stay tuned for part 2..


  30. 666lattes says:

    I’m a hand-wringing Dem and, if true, this does put me a little more at ease.


  31. kassandrasduplex says:

    Ya think this guy Blagojavich will get a Bush pardon like the last high profile Fitzgerald prosecution? Scooter Libby walks free…as does everyone from the Bush Mafia Administration.
    The timing of the arrest is suspect, directly after he suspends business with BofA for failing to pay wages and benefits owed to union workers, Blago is immediately cuffed?

    Why would Rahm Emmanuel do something that could have devastating blowback onto Obama? Just the whiff of association alone could be enough to erode faith in Obama’s office.


  32. IgnoranceIsNotBliss says:

    I’m not believing anything that comes from anyone that happens to work for Fixed Noise.


  33. lokidog says:

    “Why would Rahm Emmanuel do something that could have devastating blowback onto Obama?”

    Yes, aiding and assisting a US Attorney in exposing a corrupt politician and helping in bringing him to justice can be devestating!!

    That dumb*ss Emanual should have just paid off Blagojevich – that would have really helped out President Obama!


  34. todayslies says:

    “Umm… folks? Here’s the problem with the ‘tip-off’ suggestion:

    It would arguably mean that Rahm Emanuel influenced an ongoing investigation for political ‘advantage’–to have it brought forward on HIS insistence rather than being allowed to mature in its own time, with the charges being brought by the investigation officials ONLY when the case was ready to be presented. “
    ______________________________________________________________

    You’re saying that teased by Blago of a bribe proposal, it would have been better for Emanuel to say NOTHING to the Feds? That doesn’t make any sense. Had he said nothing, and the forthcoming investigation eventually released records of a conversation btwn Emanuel and Blago about a quid pro quo for the Senate seat, it wouldn’t just have been Blago screwed–it would have been Emanuel and, by extension, Pres. Elect Obama.

    Also, your suggestion that Emanuel’s informing the Feds of this matter somehow prevented the investigation from “maturing” properly would mean two things: that Patrick Fitzgerald would have no interest in Blago’s attempt to sell a U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder, and that it was Emanuel, not U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald, who decided to have Blago arrested this morning. Neither of those things are remotely true.


  35. katy says:

    ok, also too… WHO was it that was willing to BUY that senate seat?

    i’m hearing that blago was close to selling it and that’s a big reason fitzpatrick moved now…


  36. lokidog says:

    i’m hearing that blago was close to selling it and that’s a big reason fitzpatrick moved now…

    katy,

    Just a hunch, but I’m guessing State Senator Danny Davis. I heard rumors last week Blago was getting ready to announce his name, which really surprised me as there are so many other more worthy candidates.

    Now it doesn’t. But I’m only speculating.


  37. stateofthedivision says:

    Axelrod wouldn’t work on Blagojevich’s Governor campaign back in 2002. He didn’t trust him to govern.

    However, Rahm and Barack coached Blagojevich, at least Rahm bragged about it in the New Yorker.

    This “might have” is Axelrod’s work. He’s trying to get his two White House bosses out of the bloody Blag pool. The media sharks are circling.


  38. katy says:

    well, lokidog, let’s DO hope you have not jinxed obama!
    sure doesn’t seem so! that’s a great story about meeting obama…
    i have also, when he came to my town in 06… got his autograph and a picture too!

    i visit up there occasionally as my daughter lives downtown these days… next visit is next week, 17th-ish – i’ve been wanting to find that “Fortress Obama”… will have to make an effort…’
    plan to visit the Christkindlmarket on Daley Plaza then…


  39. EugeneDebs says:

    Keltoi at Night Says:

    Yeah, I think you arent far from the truth the melodrama notwithstanding. I always thought picking Rahm as COS was a shot across the GOP bow. Its saying we arent going to be the Clinton administration. Come at us and bodies will begin to pile up. We can get along but screw with us we will go to war, not roll over and ask for more. Rahm is well known as a fighter. He knows where the bodies are burried he knows Congress and he is a fighter. He isnt the guy who brings a knife to a gunfight and come after him or his and he will gut you. I think that WAS the message to all of Washington Obama was sending by picking Rahm


  40. EugeneDebs says:

    Keltoi at Night Says:

    5th Estate Says:
    Umm… folks? Here’s the problem with the ‘tip-off’ suggestion:

    It would arguably mean that Rahm Emanuel influenced an ongoing investigation for political ‘advantage’–to have it brought forward on HIS insistence rather than being allowed to mature in its own time, with the charges being brought by the investigation officials ONLY when the case was ready to be presented.

    I dunno, 5th. Allowing the case to mature in its own time would mean that Blago would have got to appoint that Senate replacement for more than “appreciation”. What postion would that have left the appointee in when the indictment did break, even if they were clean (which was surely not Blago’s plan)?

    Seems to me Rahmbo short circuited something that could have damaged his Boss – exactly what a CoF should be doing, IMHO.
    >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

    I see it a bit different. It seems to me the timing of it shortcircuited A CRIME TAKING PLACE, which is what the brokering of a Senate seat would be.


  41. lokidog says:

    ..got his autograph and a picture too!

    katy,

    That’s awesome. What a keepsake to pass on to your family!

    “Fortress Obama” is a 10 minute (at most) walk from the Daley Plaza. Between Jackson & Adams on Dearborn, where the orange Picasso is. You’ll know you’re there when you see all the Homeland Security vans and such all over – used to have some good anti-Iraq War get togethers there! LOL

    Have a nice visit with your daughter and have a very joyous and peaceful holiday season!


  42. lokidog says:

    I think that WAS the message to all of Washington Obama was sending by picking Rahm

    I agree EugeneDebs. Obama and Rahmbo will be doing things the “Chicago Way” (see “The Untouchables” movie for details).


  43. Big Dan says:

    The $200 billion bail-out for predator banks and Spitzer charges are intimately linked

    http://www.gregpalast.com/elliot-spitzer-gets-nailed/

    Get the picture? They bring out dirt on someone when they want! Blajo suspends dealing with Bank of America and publicly sides with workers…ONE day later, he’s indicted for this.

    Hmmmmmmm…………..


  44. Big Dan says:

    And Patrick Fitzgerald is no hero. He was supposed to bring charges against Karl Rove during the Libby case. Remember Merry Fitzmas? We are still waiting, Pat! Nice job on prosecuting Democrats! Real quick and efficient!

    CREW WRITES PATRICK FITZGERALD ASKING TO RE-OPEN ROVE CASE IN LIGHT OF MISSING EMAILS

    http://www.citizensforethics.org/node/27630


  45. Big Dan says:

    Patrick Fitzgerald FAILED to bring any charges against Karl Rove, in fact, he AVOIDED it! Now he’s a “hero”!


  46. stateofthedivision says:

    Big Dan, Open Secrets showed Bank of America’s PAC donated $10,000 to Rahm Emanuel and $254,167 to Barack Obama. BOA is also a DNC partner.

    If Bank of America wanted to make a call, they likely had a number.


  47. thedynamo says:

    If this is true, any public servant had a responsibility to act. Who here knows all the facts?

    Looks as tho Rahm did the right thing. I hope people don’t have a problem with that. I hope it is not a problem to wait for the facts to come out.


  48. Cats r Flyfishn says:

    Well, good for Rahm. He did the right thing. Too bad the same think didn’t happen to traitor Rove.


  49. kw7777777 says:

    I hope he did. It wouldn’t surprise me. Obama and Blago never got along…example: Obama wouldn’t let him speak at the Dem convention and he had absolutely no role in his campaign.


  50. GeorgeM says:

    OK-why did my favorite blogs ditch this positive story about Blagojevich?
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/08/illinois-governer-suspend_n_149272.html

    Don’t get me wrong, from reading other comments, sounds like the guy is a 1st rate creep–but I rather liked this move.

    Hundreds of billions of no-string donations to bankers who don’t do shit. Meanwhile, what we NEED is a single payer healthcare system. And half THESE bankers stuffed into a deep pit.


  51. cptvideo says:

    The FBI’s criminal complaint against the Governor explains that the FBI’s investigation has been going on for 6 years. So unless Emanuel tipped-off the Feds in 2002, this is clearly wrong.

    One problem with Blogism (as opposed to Journalism)is that you’ve now got 50 people here believing a wacko rumor.


  52. Alejandro says:

    cptvideo,

    They mean that Rahm “tipped the scales” and wanted this thing wrapped up soon. This latest thing was enough evidence. They didn’t want this coming out later and possibly implicating Obama.

    I don’t know if this is true, but I think this is what they are saying.


  53. chicagodude says:

    I think people here are overlooking two items of importance:

    1. In the video, Jack says “perhaps” Rahm was the tipster. Perhaps is a very vague word.

    2. As an independent voter, I find it slightly amusing that the fact Blago is a Democrat is not mentioned much, because if he was a Republican, he would have already been hanged.

    BTW: I met Rod when he was running for office. I was in a downstate newspaper office (working for Tribune Media Svcs. as a consultant) when he passed through on his way to the editor’s office, skipping all the local reporters, but came out of his way to shake my hand. Why me? I was the only one wearing a suit and tie is all we could figure. Should give a glimpse to what type of person he was/is.


  54. katy says:

    thanks, loki! all the best of the holidays for you too!

    and thanks for the directions… depending on the weather, i may take a longer walk!


  55. Game of Life says:

    Gosh darn. he is wearing a lyle menendez hairpiece.

    That piece is shouting WIG!


  56. Lynn S in Illinois says:

    Here’s the scoop, guys: “Senatorial Candidate #1″ is none other than Valerie Jarrett, who has some pretty big clout in her own right (Grandfather was head of the Chicago Housing Authority–Robert Taylor, who had the Robert Taylor Homes named after him, and she worked for Mayor Daley, recruited Michelle Obama to Daley’s staff, and Ms. Jarrett has worked for some multi-billion corporations in major jobs), and Blago was stupid enough to apparently shake her down for some sort of “favor” (probably a corporate board seat paying $150,000+/year for his wife Patti) or a “contribution” (a nice little check to his campaign fund for, oh, say, $200,000+). Ms. Jarrett would not tolerate this nonsense, and I have no doubt her Blackberry was burning for Obama and Emmanuel when she left that meeting.

    I don’t buy for a minute Obama’s statement that he didn’t know what Blago was up to regarding the Senate seat. What’s going to be real interesting is when the Feds get around to “Senatorial Candidate #5″, who is rumored to be either Jesse Jackson, Jr., or a lady named Jan Shackowsky, who has been a state senator in Illinois and was recently elected to the House of Representatives. “Senatorial Candidate #5″ agreed to raise $500,000 for Blago, and an “emissary of Senatorial Candidate #5″ approached Blago and offered to raise $1,000,000 for Blago. Speculation is that the “emissary” may be none other than Jesse Jackson, Sr., or Jan Shackowsky’s jailbird husband.

    Check out http://www.thecapitolfaxblog.com — it’s one of the best websites for Illinois politics, and you will want to have a big bowl of popcorn handy when you start reading it!!


  57. Chocolate Jesus says:

    >because if he was a Republican,
    >he would have already been hanged.

    Right. Just like the media already hanged Sarah Palin for her kooky preachers rants about
    suicide bombers being jews geting what they deserved, and for his prayers against “witches” (and whose insigations led to the murder of about 300 people african tribesmen decided were “witches”)

    go away, you fake “independent” concern troll..


  58. colony14 says:

    Nonsense. Emanuel didn’t come riding in on a white horse to stop the crimes. The FBI has more than one recording of Emanuel speaking with Blagojevich. That they didn’t name Emanuel (or others) in the charges doesn’t mean there isn’t more to come.

    The feds have been investigating Blagojevich since 2003. Emamnuel couldn’t tell the feds anything they didn’t already know. Emanuel is as dirty as Blagojevich, as are Daley and Obama. They may be able to escape indictments, but that doesn’t change the essential nature of their characters.

    Obama’s money-man, Tony Rezko, is now singing to the feds in exchange for a lighter prison sentence. In fact, the judge delayed his sentencing to allow more time for his “concert.”

    Blago will sing even louder and longer than Rezko.

    Obama and Daley will not be sleeping well…


  59. denizerdogan says:

    Just like the cold war when everyone who didn’t agree with the U.S. was either a communist or a communist sympathizer. toki This poor crazy guy spent half a decade being tortured because a bunch

    of stupid politicians araç sorgulama were sure the NVA

    was in bed with the Russians (minimal help) and/or the Chinese (ancient enemy of the vietnamese). ssk sorgulama You would think he would have learned from others’

    mistakes. Guess not. Republicans need an enemy. key ödemeleri This

    century it apparently will be all Muslims, kredi all of whom must

    be alQaeda operatives.


  60. denizerdogan says:

    this does put me a little more at ease. araç sorgulama



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