Could somebody please explain WTF is going on (eg. Blago)

[TrogL]

Sorry to add one more thread to the brazillion already open, but I'm completely utterly lost. I haven't been on DU for a couple of days (trying to kick the habit) and I haven't seen any US news.

Who is Blago/Blagojevich?

What is Candidate 5? (don't worry about who)

What has this to do with Leno?

What has this to do with SNL?

What has this to do with Rahm Emanuel?

How did Fitz get involved?

Who is Durbin and why does he get to call special elections?

What (if anything) does this have to do with Obama?

What else would help me understand :wtf:

[Connie_Corleone]

1. Just watch Brotherhood on Showtime Sunday nights.

[TrogL]

9. I don't think Canadian Showtime carries it

[goodhue]

2. read pages 56 to 74 of complaint . . .

http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2008-12/43789434.pdf

[AspenRose]

3. Blago is the Gov of IL and he tried to sell Obama's Senate seat

He got busted (where Fitz comes in) and it's being speculated that Emamuel is the one who was cooperating with Fitz to bust Blago.

The SNL reference is to a skit about Emanuel and his reputation for being ruthless

[Occam Bandage]

4. Blagojevich is the Governor of IL.

Under investigation for corruption. Arrested for charges of soliciting bribes. Tried to sell Obama's old seat. Apparently asked Obama for bribes in exchange for appointing his preferred candidate. Obama refused. Fitz is the investigator. Candidate #5 is one of the candidates for Obama's seat, and who was playing ball with Blago. Durbin is the senior Senator from IL, and doesn't get to "call" them, but has suggested it to the IL legislature.

[emilyg]

5. ...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7773717.stm

[camera obscura]

6. my answers...

Blagojevich (Blago is his nickname) is the governor of Illinois. He has been under investigation for a long time for various corruption scandals. Today, Patrick Fitzgerald came forth with evidence that he was trying to "sell" Obama's Senate seat.

Candidate 5 is the one who was most willing to play ball, ie offer something in exchange. Most likely Jesse Jackson Jr.

Jay Leno inked a deal with NBC that has nothing to do with this, but MSNBC is devoting more time to entertainment coverage than this story.

Rahm Emanuel is most likely the one who blew the whistle on Blago's attempts to sell the seat, since they didn't want the Obama transition team involved in the investigation.

Fitzgerald is the attorney prosecuting this case.

Dick Durbin is the remaining Senator from Illinois.

Obama is involved because Blago was presumably in talks with his transition team, and Blago knew that he favored Valerie Jarrett as his Senate replacement. However, from the testimony Fitz gave, it's clear that Blago had no respect for the president-elect and considered him a roadblock.

[moc]

7. Reader's Digest Condensed Version...

Blago is the corrupt Dem governor of IL.

He's been under investigation for eons.

He was trying to "sell" Obama's seat the highest bidder.

Obama and his team wouldn't play ball by giving Blago a kick back if Blago appointed Obama's preference.

Rahm is reported to be the one who tipped off the feds.

Candidate 5 is speculated to be JJ Jr, who was willing to pay Blago for the seat.

I can't answer your questions re: Leno. There is a youtube posting of a an SNL skit re: Rahm being a kick-ass.

[goodhue]

8. Yes, but Candidate 5 appears to be Art Turner

At least that is what a comparison of the complaint to Michael Sneed's columns suggests . . .
http://gawker.com/5105531/chicago-columnist-outed-as-blagos-favorite-patsy