Jack Franks not to testify?

One of the governor's most vocal, local critics has been McHenry County's own Rep. Jack Franks (D-63rd). And for good reason.

However, this morning's Northwest Herald carries, in my opinion, an inaccurate explanation of the reason he will most likely not testify.

Reporter Amber Krosel wrote a short sidebar that got a front-page position. Jack is reported as saying his decision to testify will now depend on the length of the trial. Like it's his decision. Jack is quoted as saying that his testimony might not be necessary "seeing as the governor isn't showing up."

I didn't watch the entire opening day's proceedings, but I did see the part when House prosecutor David Ellis said he would present numerous motions to the Senate and, if they were accepted, then the testimony of many would not be needed. And the testimony of Jack Franks was named as one that would not be needed.

So, my question is, is Jack's explanation accurate? What is his reason for phrasing it as he did? And why didn't an editor catch it? Surely editors must have been glued to the online video streaming of the proceedings.

Blago calls Gus

Early this morning - about 2:45AM, I think it was - my telephone rang. Naturally, I wondered who would be calling me at such an hour. An emergency? Ed McMahon, looking for directions to my place for the TV crew and the big check?

The conversation went like this, best as I can remember...

Gus: "Hul-lo?"
Blago: "Gus, this is Rod. You know, the Governor."
Gus (yawn): "Good morning, Governor. What can I do for you?"
Blago: "Well, Patti and I are going to be on ABC's The View tomorrow, and I'm calling to ask for any suggestions you have. You were on The View about ten years ago; right?"
Gus: "Right, it was about ten years ago. How quickly time passes and people forget."
Blago: "It does? They do? Thank goodness. Now, about The View."
Gus: "First off, leave a little early to catch the right CTA to O'Hare."
Blago: "That's okay. We have a ride."
Gus: "Then in New York take a cab..."
Blago: "They are going to meet us at the airport."
Gus: "They are? They didn't meet me."
Blago: "I mean, what should we expect on the program itself."
Gus: "Plan to spend some time in the Green Room. The bathroom is down the hall to the right."
Blago: "How long will we have to wait?"
Gus: "If your "five minutes of fame" is like mine, you'll wait about 50 minutes and then will be the show's Hot Topic in the 3-5 minutes at the end."
Blago: "I think we are going to get more time than that."
Gus: "Remember that this is a family show, in the daytime. Don't drop any of the f-bombs."
Blago: "Anything else?"
Gus: "Well, Barbara Walters might be there to thank you just before you leave."
Blago: "Thanks for the advice. You really were on the show, weren't you?"
Gus: "I sure was, Governor. And I was even recognized in a restaurant in Huntley later that day. The show is live, so check your back when you get back to Chicago."
Blago: "Thanks, Gus. Sorry to call you so early, but I know you're busy." (click)

And then the neighbor's dog barked, and I woke up.

Impeachment Report - Read This

Last week I vented to local elected politicians about the difficulty of finding the voting record on the Blago impeachment, and I would like to thank the offices of Sen. Althoff and Rep. Tryon for their replies and information.

The vote was apparently 114-1-1, not 114-1 as was reported in the mainstream press. Representative Milton Patterson (D-Chicago) was the lone "No" vote on impeachment, but the voter of "Present" or whatever it was remained unidentified. Who is Milton Patterson? You can read all (little) about him at http://www.ilga.gov/house/Rep.asp?GA=95&MemberID=1306. No years shown for his term in office. No biography. Who is this mysterious man from Chicago's South Side that had the intestinal fortitude to stand alone and vote against Blago's impeachment? Hey, it takes guts to do that.

If you'd like to read the whole sordid mess in the Final Report of the Special Investigative Committee (on Impeachment), go to
http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/reports.asp?CommitteeID=758&GA=95

There you can read of the multiple (alleged) attempts to "trade officials acts for campaign contributions" and other (alleged) misdeeds. One that jumped out at me was "The Governor's I-SaveRx Plan".

I had complained continually to the governor's office and to Rep. Jack Franks that this plan was illegal. It turns out that the FDA had informed Blago that the importation of prescription drugs was illegal on multiple occasions, Blago launched the I-SaveRx Plan, anyway. And Jack promoted it on his website for a long time, right on the homepage.

Foreign pharmacies were inspected by Illinois State personnel who were not drug compliance investigators, as required by Illinois law. Forty (40%) percent of the drug inspection forms were not completely filled out. The Report states that the Illinois Attorney General identified many problems that were violations of State law.

Where was the AG when I complained to that office about the illegal importation of prescription drugs? It certainly would be interesting to learn how my complaint was handled!

It took a complaint to the Illinois Legislative AG (who was hard to find!) to get Jack's attention and the removal of the I-SaveRx Plan from his website. Once the L.A.G. got involved, that information was off Jack's website within three days. But let a constituent complain about a violation of Federal law? No action!

Section IV (F) concludes with "In sum, the Governor knew the program was illegal but allowed it to go forward; and then the program, once implemented, violated numerous State laws relating to safety and quality control of prescription drugs. The Committee finds that the Governor abused the power of his office."

Read this Report. This is serious stuff!

Now, why is the Senate waiting two weeks to begin its impeachment trial? Gotta get ready to get ready; right? The trial should have started today!

Blago Out on P.R. Bond

Hello? Did you hear that the judge cut Blago loose on a P.R. bond? Can you believe that?
I mean, some guy in McHenry County gets a ticket for a taillight out and has to cough up cash or a bond card, and the judge lets Blago loose on his good looks and his promise to appear?

Did the judge read the charges?

What's my favorite song? Hum along now. "You can get anything you want in Alice's Restaurant." Will this be a case of American Blind Justice?

Blagojevich Arrested!!!

For the first time I am glad that Blago lives in Chicago. The Feds didn't have to go out of town to arrest him.