Obama, the FBI and Blagovitch

[The Backlash Cometh]

Wouldn't that be wonderful if this was the beginning of a cooperation with the FBI to put an end to political cronyism? I gather from the article that Obama's team was not part of the patronage attempt to "sell" his vacant seat. But, will be cooperating where necessary with the FBI. Please, let this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. We need to put an end to patronage. If you really want free market to take hold, the good ole boy system needs to be challenged.

Obama cancels FBI meeting
According to an FBI affidavit, Blagojevich discussed with a deputy the possibility of obtaining a cabinet position in the Obama administration, such as Secretary of Health & Human Services or Energy, or of being appointed as an ambassador. Blagojevich also reportedly sought a high-paying position with a union-affiliated group or a nonprofit in exchange for the Senate appointment.

It's unclear how involved Obama or his associates were in any of these discussions, but the two pols are not close and there are indications that some representatives of the president-elect's team refused to play ball.

Blagojevich reportedly told Harris on Nov. 11 that he knew Obama's team wanted a particular candidate to be appointed to fill the seat. But, he said, "They’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. them."

Obama had been scheduled to meet with the Chicago FBI Tuesday morning before proceeding to a meeting with Vice President Al Gore, but that meeting was suddenly canceled, according to a pool report. It's unclear whether the meeting or its cancellation was related to the governor's arrest.

Blagojevich also allegedly tried to get members of the Chicago Tribune's editorial board who had criticized him fired. The two were charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud along with solicitation of bribery.

http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Reports_Illinois_Gov._taken_into_custody_1209.html