Blagojevich

The Republicans' "Blago Did It" Argument

Josh Kalven — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 08:01:00 -0700

When pressed to come up with ways to address the state's gaping budget deficit without raising income taxes, Illinois Republicans and conservatives love to bring up former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's unilateral expansion of Medicaid. (In 2007, he issued an emergency regulation that increased income eligibility for the state's FamilyCare program from 185 percent of the federal poverty level to 400 percent -- equivalent to $83,000 for a family of four.) Below are a few examples:

State Sen. Carole Pankau (R-Itasca): "Start looking at some of the illegal programs that the former governor put in place without any General Assembly approval to do that. ... The largest segment of our budget right now is Medicaid. That is our 600-pound gorilla." (ABC 7's NewsViews, 6/7/09)

Illinois Policy Institute chairman John Tillman: "In 1998, there were 1.7 million people receiving Medicaid benefits. Today there are 2.7 million people receiving Medicaid benefits. And yet the rate of insured is the same. The reason that's happened is that we've raised the eligibility for Medicaid so that a man or woman or family making $80,000 is now getting taxpayer-subsidized health care." (WTTW's Chicago Tonight, 4/16/09)

Chicago Tribune Editorial Board: "Quinn should drop the expensive and likely illegal expansion of coverage under Blagojevich: Roll back the FamilyCare program to levels legislators approved." ("12 Steps Before A Tax Hike," 3/17/09)

State Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine): "Governor Blagojevich's failed Medicaid expansion has been a boondoggle -- roll it back." (WFLD's Fox Chicago Sunday, 3/15/09)

And our personal favorite:

Potential gubernatorial candidate Dan Proft: "Gov. Blagojevich, one of the charges for which he was impeached was for illegally expanding Medicaid to 400 percent of the poverty level. ... Blagojevich is gone. That illegal expansion of that benefit is not. Doubling the eligibility of Medicaid has resulted in a 33 percent increase in Medicaid spending by the state just in the last three fiscal years ... They're projecting about $18 million in Medicaid spending [in FY 2010]. So it would save you about $5 billion." (Public Affairs with Jeff Berkowitz, 6/2/09)

There are two reasons why citing Blagojevich's FamilyCare expansion in the context of the budget debate makes zero sense.

First, the idea that rolling it back would have any real effect on the budget deficit (let alone wipe out $5 billion, as Proft claims) is ridiculous. As of February 2008, only 3,300 individuals had signed up under the new eligibility criteria. At the time, the state estimated that this boost would raise the state's Medicaid liability by about $14 million annually. A lawsuit ultimately halted the expansion in September 2008 and a lengthy legal battle ensued.

John Bouman, president of the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, told us that he saw filings associated with the lawsuit stating that, at most, 4,000 people enrolled under the expanded FamilyCare guidelines. He confirmed that the estimated annual cost was close to $14 million and added that, in the process of wrapping up the lawsuit, the enrollment number was lowered to about 3,000. Bouman further noted that the income eligibility level in Illinois has since been dropped to its earlier level.

Now that you've got those facts, watch Proft -- in full technicolor -- falsely claim that the FamilyCare expansion "has resulted in a 33 percent increase in Medicaid spending by the state just in the last three fiscal years":

Republicans like Proft, Murphy, and Pankau clearly like the idea of tying the deficit to Blagojevich's "illegal" acts. But the problem is much bigger than that.

Which brings us to the second point: The largest expansions of Medicaid in Illinois actually took place under a Republican administration.

In their report (PDF) released last week, the Taxpayer Action Board (TAB) included this helpful summary of Medicaid policy changes over the past decade (notice that the 2007 FamilyCare expansion isn't even mentioned):

[I]n July 2000 the income eligibility threshold for the aged and disabled population was increased. This change alone has resulted in approximately 136,000 new enrollees in this category. In October 2002, the income standards for parents of low-income children, already eligible for coverage, were also increased, adding another 170,000 enrollees to the program… Finally, beginning with the enactment of legislation covering all uninsured children of any income level in November 2005, Illinois began an aggressive public relations campaign to promote enrollment of children in the All Kids health insurance program. This campaign has resulted in 68,600 additional children being added to the Medicaid program.

The 2000 and 2002 expansions both took place under Republican Gov. George Ryan. Not surprisingly, as Capitol Fax notes, the Medicaid system "grew fastest" during his term (1999-2003). Pankau was even a co-sponsor of the 2000 bill, which passed both chambers unanimously. Below is a useful graph from the TAB report:

To be clear: The expansions that took place under Ryan were good public policy and the Republicans deserve credit for supporting them. But those trying to claim that the growing Medicaid liability is simply Blagojevich's fault should be laughed off the stage.

Fox News Distorts AP Story On Durbin

Progress Illinois — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:28:19 -0700

Media Matters caught the oh-so-talented hosts of Fox News Channel's morning show falsely claiming that an AP story published yesterday accuses Sen. Dick Durbin of involvement in a "pay-to-play" scheme with Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Be sure to watch the on-screen text:

The AP article in question actually reported the following:

Just two weeks before his arrest on corruption charges, then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich floated a plan to give President Barack Obama's former Senate seat to the daughter of his biggest political rival in return for concessions on his pet projects, people familiar with the plan told The Associated Press.

Blagojevich told Sen. Dick Durbin he was thinking of naming Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to the seat, according to two Durbin aides who spoke on condition of anonymity.

As Media Matters points out, the article "did not include any suggestion that Durbin was involved in a 'pay-for-play scheme' or that Durbin would have benefited personally from the proposal that Blagojevich 'floated' to him."

The AP did go on to report that Durbin offered to help "possible broker an agreement" between Blagojevich and the Madigans. But there is no indication that campaign contributions (the "pay" in "pay-to-play") were ever discussed.

Via Capitol Fax, comes more detail from Durbin's camp:

Durbin spokesman Joe Shoemaker said the two discussed about 20 possible appointments for the senate seat, of which Madigan was one, and Blagojevich had asked the senator’s opinion about the decision.

“Sen Durbin tried to get across two messages. Pick someone who can hit the ground running as a senator, and number two, find someone who can be appointed quickly,” Shoemaker told The Roll Call, a newspaper covering Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

This is really a non-story. However, some of the AP headlines sensationalized it as an important scoop. And the Fox News hosts clearly couldn't help themselves.

Blagojevich Pleads "Not Guilty"

Progress Illinois — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:44:39 -0700

No surprise here:

"Mr. Rod Blagojevich would waive reading of the indictment and enter a plea of not guilty," the lawyer said. U.S. District Judge James Zagel asked the former governor a series of questions, including one about his schooling.

"Um, I have a degree from law school," Blagojevich replied.

Burris Camp Commends Blagojevich's "Final Act"

Josh Kalven — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 07:52:00 -0700

The Sun-Times published this statement from Delmarie Cobb, spokeswoman for Sen. Roland Burris, in response to the Blagojevich indictment. Here's an excerpt:

To Blagojevich’s credit, he decided as a final act it was important to appoint someone with an exceptional reputation of integrity and superior public service to the U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich gave Illinois the chance to accomplish three worthy goals — save the taxpayer’s (sic) an expensive special election, give the state a representative of proven experience, and show the rest of the world Illinois has good officials to take us beyond our tainted image. His last words were, ‘Please don’t let the allegations against me taint this good and honest man,’ Blagojevich said at the time.

So Burris is using Blagojevich as a character witness now? Is that really the best strategy?

As for Burris' honesty, we'll reserve judgment until the junior senator releases that "concise document" proving that his testimony before the Illinis House impeachment committee "was truthful and consistent." It's been 44 days since he announced his intention to do so.

UPDATE: Politico points out how Cobb's statement also took aim at Sen. Dick Durbin and the Democratic leadership.

Indictment Details The "Blagojevich Enterprise" (UPDATED)

Progress Illinois — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 17:20:28 -0700

Originally posted at 5:12 pm.

The U.S. Attorney's office has just released their indictment of former Gov. Blagojevich, his brother Rob Blagojevich, former chief of staff John Harris, fundraiser Christopher Kelly, lobbyist Lon Monk, and William Cellini -- all on corruption charges. You can download Patrick Fitzgerald's press release on the charges here and the full indictment here.

Here's the clearest and broadest explanation of the case against Blagojevich and his alleged criminal "enterprise" (which consisted of him, his campaign organization, and the governor's office):

[B]eginning in 2002 and continuing after Blagojevich was first elected governor, Blagojevich and Monk, along with Kelly and previously convicted co-schemer Antoin “Tony” Rezko, agreed that they would use the offices of governor and chief of staff for financial gain, which would be divided among them with the understanding that the money would be distributed after Blagojevich left public office.

Beginning in 2002.

UPDATE: Below is video of Gov. Quinn's response:

Capitol Fax has Blagojevich's reaction. Greg Hinz has a good summary as well.

Blagojevich Indictment "Later Today"

Progress Illinois — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 08:35:35 -0700

From the Tribune:

The U.S. attorney's office in Chicago says that later today it is announcing developments in a "significant criminal matter." Sources familiar with the situation said the announcement is expected to be the indictment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich and others on corruption charges.

The office announced it will issue a press release and make a court filing available late this afternoon. There will be no press conference.

Did Quinn Ever "Promise" Not To Raise The Income Tax?

Josh Kalven — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:09:36 -0700

In his column today, the Tribune's Eric Zorn digs into Rod Blagojevich's theory -- espoused on WLS yesterday -- that Gov. Pat Quinn has entered a "corrupt bargain" with House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullterton. I'm more interested in Blagojevich's ongoing allegation that Quinn's proposed budget breaks a "promise" he made during the 2002 and 2006 campaigns not to raise the income tax. After all, these are the sorts of claims that often find their way into attack ads. Have a listen:

Internal mp3

BLAGOJEVICH: I kept the promise I made in two elections not to raise the income tax on people. ... I asked our new governor -- Gov. Quinn -- to keep the promise we both made when we ran as a ticket. I kept it for six years. Unfortunately, it took him less than six weeks to break that promise.

As the Democratic lieutenant governor candidate in both 2002 and 2006, Quinn certainly supported Blagojevich in the general election and campaigned with him along the way. But did he ever endorse Blagojevich's pledge not to raise the income tax?

We can't find any evidence he did. And it seems pretty unlikely, considering that, then-Lt. Gov. Quinn spearheaded a constitutional amendment in 2004 seeking to raise the income tax on those making more than $250,000 (which Blagojevich opposed).

Maddow On Republic Windows, Blago

Progress Illinois — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 07:47:39 -0700

Last night, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow touched on both the Republic Windows legacy and Rod Blagojevich's radio hosting stint in her "Ms. Information" segment. Watch it:

The "Guh-Former Guv"

Progress Illinois — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 09:28:21 -0700

The highlight of Rod Blagojevich's stint as a WLS Radio guest host this morning had to be the moments when he almost introduced himself as the "governor" rather than the "former governor." Right off the bat he almost slipped up:

Internal mp3

And towards the end of the two-hour show, he did it again:

Internal mp3

Priceless.

Burris' Idea Of "Flying Colors" (UPDATED)

Josh Kalven — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 10:18:48 -0800

After appearing before the House impeachment committee on January 8, Roland Burris told the press that he had passed with "flying colors," adding: "I have nothing to hide." It's hard not to look back on those words and laugh after reading this revelation from the Sun-Times today:

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's brother solicited U.S. Sen. Roland Burris for up to $10,000 in campaign cash before Blagojevich named Burris to the coveted post -- something Burris initially failed to disclose under oath before an Illinois House impeachment panel, records and interviews show. [...]

Burris acknowledged having three conversations with Robert Blagojevich, who headed the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund -- and one of those was likely recorded by the FBI. [...]

In his new affidavit, Burris confirms he also spoke of his interest in the Senate appointment with Blagojevich insiders John Harris, Doug Scofield and John Wyma.

Below is a video clip from the impeachment hearing in which State Rep. Jim Durkin questions Burris about contacts with the governor's staff prior to Blagojevich's arrest. Durkin specifically asks about Harris, Wyma, and the governor's brother. In retrospect, Burris' answer is telling. Rather than denying having spoken to those individuals, he says, "I talked to some friends about my desire to be appointed, yes." When pressed by Durkin, he discloses the contact with Lon Monk in September. Of course, Durkin moves on without asking the obvious follow-up question: "Did you speak with any other aides or confidantes of the governor?" And Burris gets away without ever really answering the original question. Watch it:

So what prompted Burris to send this new affidavit -- containing his third version of events -- to the House impeachment chair Barbara Flynn Currie? Firedoglake's Marcy Wheeler raises one likely scenario:

I'm wondering, too, whether in the interim Burris didn't have a visit with Patrick Fitzgerald's folks about what got caught on the FBI's tapes?

Frankly, we're less concerned with why this information is coming out now -- three weeks after he was sworn in as Illinois junior senator -- than with the fact he chose to keep it under wraps in the first place. We're talking about at least six previously undisclosed conversations in the months leading up to Blagojevich's arrest. We're talking about numerous discussions surrounding fundraising. At the time of his testimony, these disclosures would have almost certainly concerned Sens. Harry Reid and Dick Durbin, who were then on the fence about whether to seat Burris.

You won't hear us agree with Illinois Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno very often on this site, but we have to second this statement:

Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) said Burris' new statement regarding his contact with Blagojevich's emissaries represents a "fatal wound" to a potential 2010 Burris re-election bid.

Burris was already a weak candidate. After this revelation, it's hard to imagine how he's a candidate at all in 2010.

UPDATE: The Sun-Times has more on the fallout from Burris' affidavit:

State Rep. James Durkin (R-Western Springs) said Saturday that the Sangamon County state prosecutor‚s office will be asked to review Burris‚ Jan. 8 sworn testimony before the House panel to determine whether Burris (D-Ill.) perjured himself.

"I don't trust anything that comes out of Roland Burris‚ mouth or from his pen," Durkin said. [...]

In all, Burris expressed interest in the Senate seat to five people in Blagojevich's camp, documents obtained by the Sun-Times show. He disclosed just one of those contacts when asked Jan. 8 by state Rep. James Durkin (R-Western Springs) during the impeachment hearings to name any contact he had with Blagojevich's people about the seat.

"I'm very surprised he didn't make these disclosures," Durkin said. "I don't know if Mr. Burris was purposely being evasive during the committee or had selected memory issues."

What we do know is that Durkin and his colleagues should have paid closer attention to Burris' answers during the January 8 hearing and asked better follow-up questions.