In a letter of admonition, the U.S. Senate ethics committee said U.S. Sen. Roland Burris was "misleading" and "inconsistent" in his statements before an Illinois House impeachment panel and less than candid about his failure to disclose various contacts with Rod Blagojevich's administration.
Before the ethics panel's letter was made public, Burris put out a press statement indicating he was "cleared of legal wrongdoing."
The initial headlines went up.
And then ... the delete button.
In its Friday letter, the ethics committee said Burris gave "multiple and at times contradictory explanations for failing to disclose all your contacts with the governor's associates."
The ethics inquiry was launched earlier this year after the Chicago Sun-Times revealed that Burris' testimony before an Illinois House panel investigating Rod Blagojevich's impeachment lacked critical details about his dealings with the ex-governor's brother.
Burris added to his testimony in a written affidavit, which was first made public in the Sun-Times after the paper raised questions to the senator about his discussions with Robert Blagojevich.
The letter goes on to say that Burris' recorded conversation with Robert Blagojevich about fund-raising was "innappropriate," but did not rise to the level of an explicit quid pro quo.
But it faulted Burris with failing to disclose the conversation with the brother of the ex-governor before he was seated in the U.S. Senate.
"You should have known that any conversations you had about your desire to seek the Senate seat and about any possible fund-raising for the governor were critical to these inquiries," the letter stated.
The ethics panel said Burris didn't break the law, however: "Senators must meet a much higher standard of conduct."
Sun-Times editorial: "Burris lied, then lied about lying."
New York Times: 'A sternly worded rebuke.'
Chicago Tribune's Steve Chapman: "Burris is a lying snake."
Lynn Sweet: No charges coming
U.S. District Judge James Zagel on Monday approved a bid from William Cellini to be tried separate from ex-governor Rod Blagojevich. The government and Cellini's lawyers agreed last week that the two should be tried separately because there wasn't enough overlap between the two cases.
Meanwhile, the former governor's brother, Rob, will also ask to be tried separately, his lawyer, Michael Ettinger, said today.
Here's a statement from Cellini's lawyer, Dan Webb:
"Today's ruling by Judge Zagel granting the Government's motion to hold a separate trial for my client from former Governor Blagojevich demonstrates what we have said all along - that there was never any justification for including Bill Cellini in any indictment with former Governor Blagojevich. "The allegations against former Governor Blagojevich have absolutely nothing to do with Bill Cellini. Months ago, Mr. Cellini executed an affidavit stating that he does not now nor has he ever had a relationship with former Governor Blagojevich. Mr. Cellini has never spoken on the telephone with former Governor Blagojevich nor has he ever had a substantive or private conversation with former Governor Blagojevich on any topic, including fund raising. Moreover, Mr. Cellini is a lifelong Republican who supported both Jim Ryan and Judy Barr-Topinka in their campaigns against Rod Blagojevich.
"Bill Cellini was never aware of, nor involved with anyone in the Blagojevich group in the alleged fund-raising scheme. Bill is completely innocent of these charges and will continue to vigorously fight these charges as he has done since the day he was indicted. Bill is confident that a jury will find him not guilty."
By taking up the case of Enron executive Jeffrey Skilling, the U.S. Supreme Court signaled Tuesday it is on a clear path to tackle the amorphous "honest services" statute, something that could impact Rod Blagojevich's upcoming trial.
The lawyer for Rod Blagojevich's brother, Robert Blagojevich, told the Chicago Sun-Times he thinks the statute "is going to be shredded," possibly resulting in a trial delay or new charges against his client.
Robert and Rod Blagojevich were indicted together April 2.
Honest services makes up a good chunk of Blagojevich's indictment. The only two charges against Robert Blagojevich are rooted in alleged honest services fraud.
"Blagojevich has traveled across the country proclaiming his innocence," writes Chicago Tribune columnist Greg Burns today. "Maybe his next stop should be on the steps of the Supreme Court."
It's the third honest services case the high court has taken up (the others are that of media baron Conrad Black and an Alaskan state lawmaker). Lawyers see that as a sign that justices are out to better define a statute often criticized as vague. The law says one can be found to have deprived a company or taxpayers of his or her honest services even if there was no financial loss -- or personal gain. But just when that line is crossed is open to interpretation.
In today's New York Times, Adam Liptak reminds us it was a Chicago case that propelled justices to take another look at the statute.
The high court in February refused to take up the case of patronage chief Robert Sorich. Sorich and others were convicted of denying Illinois taxpayers their honest services by fostering City Hall's patronage system even though Sorich didn't make any money off the deal. The case drew a strong rebuke from Justice Antonin Scalia who wrote: "It is one thing to enact and enforce clear rules against certain types of corrupt behavior ... but quite another to mandate a freestanding, open-ended duty to provide honest services -- with the details to be worked out case-by-case."
The ex-governor gave me a few minutes of his time in an interview by phone from Los Angeles yesterday while on a whirlwind tour promoting his new book.
Rod Blagojevich told me he regrets "every day" his decision to ask his older brother to join on as his campaign fund chief last year. The move eventually led to a dark path for his brother, Rob, who lives in Nashville, Tenn., and, unlike his kid brother, has stayed out of politics his whole life. Robert Blagojevich now faces two wire fraud counts and plans to go to trial with the former governor.
Rod Blagojevich's comments came in response to a pair of stories the Sun-Times ran over the weekend, in which Rob Blagojevich and his wife, Julie, for the first time about the criminal case facing their family.
To read today's story click here.
A longtime military man and successful businessman, Rob Blagojevich -- the brother of our controversial ex-governor -- lived in relative obscurity.
But just four months after reluctantly agreeing to act as the fund-raising chair to the former governor, Rob Blagojevich was an unnamed co-schemer in a federal complaint. By the next spring, he was indicted.
For the first time, Rob and his wife, Julie have agreed to break that silence in a wide-ranging interview with the Chicago Sun-Times. Read today's story
By Jordan Wilson
Sun-Times Staff Reporter
URBANA -- Roland Burris denied wrongdoing Wednesday in his clouded appointment to the U.S. Senate seat, despite the release Tuesday of FBI wiretap transcripts that showed he was open to donating money to the now-indicted governor who appointed him.
The new details re-opened public scrutiny on the embattled Burris, who stormed off only three minutes into a 10-minute media availability Wednesday.
Burris said the impeachment panel that questioned him in January did not ask him "whether or not there was anything dealing with fund-raising."
"If I were asked that question at the impeachment hearing, I would have dealt with those things," Burris said. "I was not asked that question. Please check the transcripts."
In the Nov. 13 wiretap, Burris was recorded talking with Rob Blagojevich, the brother of the impeached governor.
The transcript details the two talking about Burris‚ willingness to contribute to the governor, and the possible improprieties of doing so while Burris was interested in the vacant U.S. Senate seat.
But Burris ends the conversation saying: "I will personally do something OK? And it will come to you before the 15th of December."
Burris side-stepped direct questions about the issue Wednesday, but said he did not hide those details.
"There was no attempt to do any, wheeling and dealing to not disclose," Burris said while weeding through reporters to his maroon SUV. "That did not take place."
Audio of the wire-tapped phone call between Roland Burris and Robert Blagojevich will not be made public -- at least for now, a spokesman for federal prosecutors in Chicago said today.
U.S. Attorney's spokesman Randall Samborn said his office is not releasing the audio of the Burris conversation, citing a court order that authorized its release to the U.S. Senate ethics committee -- but not to the public.
A transcript of the calls were made available by the court and docketed, which is why that was public yesterday, Samborn said.
A transcript of the Nov. 13 conversation between Burris and Robert Blagojevich was released yesterday showing that Burris feared he'd be shunned publicly if he donated to the governor while he sought the appointment.
"I'm trying to figure out how to deal with this and still be in consideration for the appointment," Burris said.
"If I do get appointed, that means I bought it." Burris ends the conversation saying he'll send Rod Blagojevich a check by Dec. 15.
Robert Blagojevich's attorney, Michael Ettinger, said he supports releasing audio of the tape, saying the tape is favorable to his client.
"There's not one word about quid pro quo," Ettinger said. "There's no pressure. It shows that he wasn't pressuring Burris at all."
Roland Burris' lawyer, Timothy Wright, said Tuesday the release of the transcript would finally settle questions about the junior Senator from Illinois.
But two members of the Illinois house impeachment panel said the tape raised additional questions. One member said it showed Burris was not truthful in his Jan. 8 testimony to the panel.
In the tape of a Nov. 13 conversation between Robert Blagojevich and Burris, Burris talks extensively of ways he could donate to the governor without it making him look bad publicly.
Consider these exchanges:
BURRIS: God knows number one, I, I wanna help Rod. Number two, I also wanna, you know hope I get a consideration to get that appointment.
...
BURRIS: And I'm trying to figure out how to deal with this and still be in the consideration for the appointment.
BlAGOJEVICH: I hear ya. No, I hear ya.
BURRIS: And, and if I do that I guarantee you that, that will get out and people said, oh, Burris is doing a fund-raiser ad, and then Rod and I both gonna catch hell.
BLAGOJEVICH: Mm hm.
BURRIS: And if I do get appointed that means I bought it.
BLAGOJEVICH: Mmmm.
BURRIS: If I don't get appointed then my people who I'm trying to riase money from are gonna look at me, yeah, what what's that all about Roland. I mean, so, Rob, I'm in a I'm in a, a dilemma right now wanting to help the governor.
...
BURRIS: I know I could give him a check.
BLAGOJEVICH: yeah
BURRIS: Myself
BLAGOJEVICH: Yeah
BURRIS: And, and my law partner we were gonna try to do something at the law firm. I might be able to do this in the name of Tim Wright.
BLAGOJEVICH: Mm hm.
BURRIS: Okay, 'cause Tim is not looking for an appointment, okay.
BLAGOJEVICH: Okay.
The U.S. Attorney's office is expected to release audio and transcript of the conversation today.
The recorded call between Roland Burris and Robert Blagojevich took place Nov. 13 on the Friends of Blagojevich land line, which was tapped by the FBI.
The Senate ethics panel asked the U.S. Attorney's office for the tapes in March, according to an opinion released today by Judge James Holderman.
The panel launched a preliminary inquiry into the "circumstances surrounding the appointment and seating of Senator Roland Burris," according to Holderman's opinion.
Any lawyer who signed up to represent former Gov. Blagojevich already knew there would be an issue with getting paid. Unlike some of the well-financed pols who are charged criminally, Illinois ex-governors can't seem to come up with the cash to pay for their own defense. On Friday, a federal judge made it pretty clear that the best option for Blagojevich's lawyers to get paid was to go on the public dole.
And that means getting paid $110 an hour.
"They're not particularly high, but they're not all that low either," U.S. District Judge James Zagel said of the hourly rate.
He said there is a "significant pool of highly able lawyers who are willing to work for that fee," knowing that trying such a case would "enhance their reputation."
Regardless of the judge's remarks, many high profile attorneys consider the rate paid by taxpayers a significant pay cut.
Some of the lawyers who have tentatively signed on to represent Blagojevich are paid upwards of $500 an hour.
But the probable team, made up of -- Sheldon Sorosky, Sam Adam Sr., Sam Adam Jr. and Allan Ackerman -- have agreed that, in the "worst case scenario," they would agree to the $110-an-hour fee, defense lawyers in the case have told me.
Lawyers for former Gov. Blagojevich and his brother are asking a federal judge to lift a restraining order that's been put on a $2.3 million campaign fund to help pay for legal fees.
Attorney for Robert Blagojevich, Michael Ettinger, said of the $2.3 million in the fund now: "not a dollar represents proceeds of any illegal activity as alleged in the indictment," according to a court filing.
Ettinger has asked that a portion of the funds be released to contribute to his client's legal fees. Robert Blagojevich chaired the fund as of August of last year. Blagojevich's lawyers are expected to file something similar before day's end.
Prosecutors indicated in a filing that $100,000 has been released to ex-Gov. Blagojevich's lawyer Sheldon Sorosky, while Ettinger has gotten $50,000 so far.
The government opposes releasing money from the fund, saying in a government filing today they have to protect their rights to seize the money if there's a conviction.
"FOB was established on behalf of Rod Blagojevich to support his campaign efforts so that he could maintain and influence a racketeering enterprise designed to personally
enrich Rod Blagojevich and his family, and, as part of the enterprise, his interest
in the FOB funds," prosecutors argue. The government proposes letting defense lawyers be paid through taxpayer money but then allow the campaign fund to repay the costs. That would force Blagojevich's attorneys to be paid at public defender rates, which is about $115 or so an hour. In the alternative, they proposed that the money be held in a court-supervised escrow fund.
Judge James Zagel, who oversees the case, has indicated that he will likely release the fund to defense lawyers to pay for legal fees. A formal hearing is set for May 1. Prosecutors oppose the move.
Earlier this morning, the media was stationed outside the front of the federal courthouse. Blagojevich emerged from the Dunkin Donuts across the street with a broad smile on his face.
Deputy U.S. Marshals crossed the street to meet him over there.
Then the media horde followed. A Pace bus hit its brakes as media scattered across the street.
Blagojevich crossed the street with the crush of people, who were walking backwards. A microphone dropped. The ex-governor crouched down to pick it up. "Whose is this?"
"Thanks governor," the reporter said. "alright," he responded.
Once inside the elevator, Blagojevich apologized to the deputy marshals for drawing the horde. They told him it wasn't his fault. The two deputies said they were going to start bringing the ex-governor into the building through another location because of all the media craziness.
"But then they come to my home," Blago said.
At one point, someone from the public handed Blagojevich a Tiffany bag with a box in it. "I hope that's not ticking," security told Blagojevich, who assured them it had gone through a security scan.
Blagojevich's lawyer, Sheldon Sorosky, told chief deputy U.S. Marshal John O'Malley that the ex-governor should have hired him as his chief of security or chief of staff. O'Malley looked surprised, and said something to the effect of: "Nah, that's a different John." Blagojevich's former chief of staff is John Harris. He's cooperating in the investigation. On his way down the hallway, Blagojevich stopped to shake hands and talk in Spanish to people sitting in the hallway waiting. Looking serious and sympathetic, he said: "buena suerte," (good luck). It turned out they were there for a swearing-in citizenship ceremony.
A judge's denial of allowing Blagojevich to film a reality show means a financial blow to the out of work Blagojevich.
He stood to earn $123,250.00 if he were on the Survivor-style reality show until the bitter end, according to a defense motion. He more than likely would have been paid about $60,000 for the show, according to the filing.
The filing also reveals that Blagojevich was paid a $21,000 advance on his book, which is due out in October.
The defense motion says Blagojevich and his wife, Patti, have been "out of work," since January. It told the judge that Blago sought to take part in a TV series filmed in the "harsh and unpleasant circumstances, in the natural terrain of Costa Rica." Blago and others "would then be required to combat the elements and work with each other."
The motion said denying Blago a chance to go to Costa Rica would bring "unnecessary and extreme economic hardship upon the defendant and his family."
Steve Rhodes tells us that former national Democratic fund-raiser Joe Cari is now blogging -- and on Twitter. His blog page is entitled "Josephcari.com On politics and Economics." The court recently allowed Cari, who pleaded guilty to extortion in 2005, to travel to Lebanon to act as a guest lecturer. He has not yet been sentenced.
Cari figured prominently in the early stages of the Blagojevich investigation, back when the ex-governor was still referred to as "Public Official A."
Cari was one of the first to cite a conversation with Blagojevich that alleged the governor was open to "pay to play" in his administration. Cari testified at the trial of Tony Rezko that Blagojevich once told him his plan for a prominent political career involved raising political cash from across the country, and reward big contributors with state contracts. Blagojevich denied the conversation.
Rajinder Bedi, managing director of the state's Office of Trade & Investment, resigned his post Tuesday -- a day after the Sun-Times reported he was involved in an alleged scheme surrounding U.S. Rep.Jesse Jackson Jr.'s bid to be appointed to the U.S. Senate seat post. The Sun-Times reported Monday that Bedi approached the brother of Rod Blagojevich last October to tell him of a proposal to appoint Jackson to the Senate seat. The proposal was that Jackson would raise $5 million for Blagojevich after his appointment and the Indian community, through the efforts of Raghuveer Nayak, would raise another $1 million. Nayak made another, similar approach. Sources say that Bedi's approach to Blagojevich was to convey what Nayak could do for the now ex-governor. Sources say Nayak represented himself as a Jackson representative. Jackson denied he allowed Nayak to make any pay-to-play overtures.
Bedi resigned after Gov. Quinn told him he'd likely be fired by the end of the month.
Former Gov. Blagojevich, who pleaded not guilty to charges yesterday, hired Bedi back in 2003.
The media circus was in full swing at the courthouse, with dozens of photographers and reporters swarming the governor and pushing and shoving each other.
I haven't seen it this bad since the international media converged here for media baron
Conrad Black. At that time, the media mass was so out of control, attorney Ed Genson, who was riding in his motorized scooter, was knocked clear over.
No one was knocked over this morning outside of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse.
But that just may have been a minor miracle.
There were more than 60 press people swarming all over Rod Blagojevich, who at first said he'd take no questions.
But, as he turned to leave, he started answering shouting reporters.
As he answered, more people moved in around him, barely allowing him to walk. At many points, the whole crowd seemed to move as one giant flock.
"Oh my God," one photographer exclaimed as he looked over the pile of bodies.
And he was one of the shooters who was standing above us all on a concrete barrier outside.
Another photographer swore and then apologized to the ex-governor. Blagojevich smiled and said it was nothing he hadn't heard before: "Listen to some of those tapes," he said. (The secret recordings of Blagojevich last year are ridden with expletives, according to snippets of transcripts released to the public.)
Outside, photographers and cameramen stood atop of concrete barriers to get an overhead view of the ex-governor. Inside, some set up small ladders to get a good shot. Back outside, reporters swore as they stepped on each other's feet.
Others huddled around, shoving their mics or tape recorders to the governor -- not even getting anywhere near him. "He's not going to leave until the last question is asked," one TV reporter commented on Blagojevich.
Onlookers in the public took out their cell phones to snap photos and videotape the mess.
Others inside the courthouse stood by the glass windows, sipping coffee and watching the spectacle.
In the midst of all this, Blagojevich stopped to add something else.
"Let me say one more thing. I want to say this to the people of Illinois. I have not let them down. I never stopped working hard for them or fighting for them," Blagojevich said.
Asked repeatedly about adding another lawyer to address a "massive" indictment, Blagojevich lawyer Sheldon Sorosky said: "We'll need five or six lawyers."
Then, asked what his strategy was moving forward, Rod Blagojevich said: "the truth."
Through it all, Rod Blagojevich continued to smile, seeming to bask in the attention even as he was getting smothered.
I rode on the elevator with ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, moments after he left the courtroom this morning. We were on the way down to the courthouse lobby, where he knew a massive media horde awaited him.
He was in a chipper mood, despite just pleading not guilty to sweeping corruption charges. He shook my hand and smiled.
"How are you?"
"How are you" I countered, then asked how he was feeling.
Blagojevich thought for a second.
Then he compared himself to Winston Churchhill after battle. He quoted the British statesman: "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."
I followed him to the courthouse lobby where the media scrum was waiting. He floated toward the cameras, almost instinctively, but his lawyer tugged at him to just keep walking.
Blagojevich then said he wouldn't talk. But then he turned and said: "the truth will prevail. I look forward to clearing my name and being vindicated."
Instead of wearing a jogging suit like the day he appeared in court in December following his arrest, Rod Blagojevich wore a pin-striped suit and a blue tie. He was serious in the courtroom, keeping his hands folded in front of him and answering: "I have a degree from law school," when asked about his education.
Rod and Robert Blagojevich, were released on $4,500 recognizance bonds, after they were charged in a 19-count indictment. Rod Blagojevich's lawyer, Sheldon Sorosky, asked for a short court date to ask for an expanded travel for his client. Rod Blagojevich, 52, is trying to head to Costa Rica to film a reality TV show there -- but they need court permission before that can happen. Sorosky also told U.S. District Judge James Zagel that the governor needs another lawyer and said there were concerns with tapping into the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund to pay attorney's fees. Zagel set a short date for next week to take up those issues.
Just before entering the courthouse to a media throng, Robert Blagojevich, 53, of Tennessee, said simply: "I'm prepared."
The media circus was in full swing at the courthouse, with dozens of photographers and reporters swarming the governor and pushing and shoving each other.
On his way out, Rod Blagojevich at first said he'd take no questions but as he turned to leave, he started answering shouting reporters.
As he answered, more people moved in around him, barely allowing him to walk. "Oh my God," one photographer exclaimed as he looked over the mass of bodies. Another swore and then apologized to the ex-governor. Blagojevich smiled and said it was nothing he hadn't heard before: "Listen to some of those tapes," he said. The secret recordings of Blagojevich last year are ridden with expletives, according to snippets of transcripts released to the public.
Photographers and cameramen stood atop of concrete barriers to get an overhead view of the ex-governor. Reporters swore as they stepped on each other's feet. Others huddled around, shoving their mics or tape recorders to the governor -- not even getting anywhere near him. "He's not going to leave until the last question is asked," one TV reporter commented on Blagojevich.
Onlookers in the public took out their cell phones to snap photos and videotape the mess. Others inside the courthouse stood by the glass windows, sipping coffee and watching the spectacle.
Through it all, Rod Blagojevich kept a smile, seeming to bask in the attention even as he was getting smothered.
Camera crews are wandering in front of the Dirksen courthouse downtown. Reporters and photographers are huddled inside the media "bull pen" inside the building.
And, 90 minutes before the arraignment of Rod Blagojevich and his brother is even set to start, the courtroom on the 25th floor is already filling up.
Blagojevich and his brother, Robert Blagojevich will face charges today in a wide-ranging indictment that was returned April 2. They're likely to plead not guilty in front of U.S. District Judge James Zagel and each is expected to make comments to the media before leaving the building.
But today is really about the circus of the event. It's the first time the ex-governor will enter the building since his spectacular Dec. 9 arrest -- when he showed up in a jogging suit and left escorted by his security. Today, he'll enter the building as a private citizen, as he was ousted from public office earlier this year. Courtroom security, in preparing for Blagojevich and ordering that no special arrangements would be made on his behalf, referred to him as MR. Blagojevich. Emphasis added.
Just a week ago, we expected a small crowd of defendants to attend their arraignments in the corruption case of ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
But of the six people indicted, just two -- the ex-governor himself and his brother -- will face charges tomorrow.
The ex-governor's former fund-raiser, Chris Kelly, moved his arraignment date today to later in the week. There's a conflict because Kelly's lawyer is in Florida.
Nonetheless, expect nothing short of a circus here at 219 S. Dearborn.
There's been a few new disclosures about U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and the Senate seat appointment that's under federal scrutiny, but today the Sun-Times makes a new revelation.
Two donors told the Blagojevich camp that Jackson himself would raise campaign cash in exchange for the Senate seat appointment -- to the tune of $5 million. The donors would kick in another $1 million to Blagojevich if Jesse Jr. were appointed, according to sources.
There's no indication of Jackson's involvement in this alleged pledge. He would not comment for the article.
One of the reported conversations took place Oct. 31, when a Jackson longtime supporter and Blagojevich donor approached Robert Blagojevich
According to the indictment, Robert Blagojevich, who headed the ex-governor's campaign fund, talked with his brother the next day on the phone to give him an update on fund-raising with Jackson's supporters.
The Blagojevich brothers are both charged with wire fraud because of that conversation.
Today's the day ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich is going to be indicted, sources say.
On the former governor's to-do list?
A couple of well-known rides at Disney World in Orlando, according to a defense lawyer.
Buzz Light Year. And maybe Tower of Terror.
I reached an attorney for the governor's brother just moments ago who confirmed he was waiting for the Blagojevich family and, in a matter of minutes, was heading off to the Magic Kingdom. Blagojevich is there with his wife and two kids.
"We have our families here and we're going to enjoy ourselves," said Michael Ettinger, attorney for Robert Blagojevich. Robert Blagojevich, who lives in Nashville, headed his brother's campaign fund and is also a target of a grand jury.
He is not in Disney World today.
Asked what was on the agenda on such a big day, Ettinger said simply: "Buzz Lightyear for sure. Maybe Tower of Terror."
An addendum: The clan all ended up at the Magic Kingdom today. So no Tower of Terror.
Today could be the day that ex-governor Blagojevich is indicted on corruption charges.
An indictment is necessary for the case to move to trial. Here's a few things to know and expect.
1) Why might it happen today? There is an April 7 deadline on the indictment -- that's Tuesday. But the grand jury considering the matter meets on Thursdays. Today is the last Thursday before the deadline.
2) Others will be charged. But don't expect many new defendants. The 90-day deadline (which, by the way, was self-imposed by the government -- the feds could have asked for another extension) only pertains to the two people charged in a criminal complaint: Rod Blagojevich and his ex-chief of staff, John Harris. So even though there's many others in the government's sights, the clock isn't ticking on an indictment return. Other known targets of the grand jury include the governor's brother, Robert Blagojevich, who was the Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund chief, former chief of staff Lon Monk and the governor's wife, Patti Blagojevich. Both the campaign fund and the governor's brother figured prominently in the criminal complaint.
3) Don't expect a news conference. Past practice in the U.S. Attorney's office dictates that a news conference isn't held when a defendant is indicted on already announced charges. Besides, the big presser already happened last December and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald took some heat for his forceful remarks.
4) It will drop like a thud. That is, the actual weight of the document. The criminal complaint was nearly 80 pages, it makes sense that the indictment will be about as long or longer. The indictment is likely to be a commentary on Blagojevich's tenure in office, which stretched over seven years before his forced removal in February. Sources say it is likely to go into schemes involving two of his now convicted advisers -- Tony Rezko and Chris Kelly -- then mirror much of the complaint, touching on allegations of pay to play, selling the Senate seat, and scheming to have members of the Tribune editorial board fired.
5) Tapes will be referenced. The probe into Blagojevich's administration goes back to 2003. But a new phase of the investigation started last October when ex-Blago friend John Wyma gave the feds the probable cause to go up on wires. They initially bugged the campaign offices and tapped Blagojevich's home phone. They were investigating pay to play allegations, then stumbled on talk of allegedly selling the Senate seat. That meant another round of taps were approved, including: Harris' cell phone, Robert Blagojevich's cell phone and Monk's cell phone. A video camera was also put up over the campaign offices to help identify people caught on the bugs.
6) Are any Senate candidates or their emissaries in trouble? Don't expect that question to be answered today. The indictment is expected to focus largely on the ex-governor's own conduct and that of his fund-raising operation.
Expect there to be some detail involving Blagojevich's alleged scheming to appoint Valerie Jarrett to the Senate seat and his discussions with her emissary, SEIU official Tom Balanoff (who is cooperating but not a target). There's not likely to be new revelations concerning discussions with representatives of U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (Candidate 5 in the complaint).
7) Don't expect to see the ex-governor giving an impromptu availability in front of his house as he did the day he was removed from office. And don't expect him in court.
He's not required to appear in court until an arraignment date is set.
Besides, he and the family are in Disney World.
