InfoAnda - Illinois governor arrested for trying to sell Obama senate seat

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Israel's Netanyahu inks first deal with far-right | 16 March 2009
HCL Technologies profit down by half on forex loss | 22 April 2009
U.N.'s Ban to return to earthquake-devastated Haiti | | 13 March 2010

Apple iPad to ignite tablet computer market: ABI | 3 February 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Illinois governor arrested for trying to sell Obama senate seat

Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Search Search: Illinois governor arrested for trying to sell Obama senate seat AFP - 2 hours 39 minutes ago CHICAGO, (AFP) - - The governor of Illinois was arrested on charges of conspiring to sell an appointment to president-elect Barack Obama's recently vacated US Senate seat in what prosecutors called "a political corruption crime spree." Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich was also accused of demanding kickbacks for government contracts, jobs and appointments and trying to get certain editors fired from the Chicago Tribune newspaper because of their critical coverage of his administration. "The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering," said US attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. "They allege that Blagojevich put a 'for sale' sign on the naming of a United States senator; involved himself personally in pay-to-play schemes with the urgency of a salesman meeting his annual sales target, and corruptly used his office in an effort to trample editorial voices of criticism." "Governor Blagojevich has taken us to a truly new low," Fitzgerald said at a press conference, adding that the state's top leader "has been arrested in the middle of what we can only describe as a political corruption crime spree." Obama said he was not aware of allegations that Blagojevich -- who as governor is charged with appointing a US senator when a seat becomes vacant -- was shopping it around to find the highest bidder. "I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so I was not aware of what was happening," Obama told reporters. "Like the rest of the people of Illinois, I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the US attorney's office today," the president-elect said, adding that it would not be "appropriate" for him to comment further on the ongoing investigation. Fitzgerald emphasized that the criminal complaint made "no allegations" that Obama was aware of or involved in any scheming by the governor and that some of the schemes "did not go very far at all." The complaint included descriptions of recorded conversations in which Blagojevich complained bitterly that while Obama's team had a preferred candidate in mind, "they're not willing to give me anything except appreciation. (Expletive) them." Authorities allege he considered taking the seat himself to avoid impeachment by the Illinois legislature and to remake his image for a potential run for president in 2016. He was also allegedly taped talking about trading the seat for a cabinet post, ambassadorship, a "cushy" union job or a high-paying spot on a corporate board for his wife. In a conversation recorded the day after Obama's historic November 4 win, Blagojevich told an unnamed advisor: "I've got this thing and it's (expletive) golden, and, uh, uh, I'm just not giving it up for (expletive) nothing. I'm not gonna do it. And, and I can always use it. I can parachute me there," the 76-page criminal complaint states. Blagojevich was released on a 4,500 dollar bond Tuesday after making a brief appearance before a federal judge in Chicago. His office declined to comment on the charges or calls for his resignation, saying only that the allegations "do nothing to impact the services, duties or function of the state." He is reportedly planning to go back to work on Wednesday and has rejected calls to resign or step aside. Top senate Democrats have called for a special election to fill Obama's seat. State legislators called for Blagojevich to either step aside or resign and could move forward quickly on impeachment proceedings if he does not. Fitzgerald said the breadth of alleged corruption by Blagojevich was "appalling," especially given that the governor had known he was under investigation for years. "You might have thought in that environment that pay-to-play would slow down. The opposite happened," Fitzgerald said. Blagojevich was elected in 2002 after vowing to reform the culture of corruption surrounding his predecessor, Republican George Ryan, who is currently serving more than six years in prison for corruption. Blagojevich was soon involved in corruption scandals of his own as federal prosecutors investigated a host of allegations of pay-to-play politics including insider-dealing, influence-peddling and kickbacks. Former Blagojevich advisor and fundraiser Tony Rezko, who also had close ties to Obama, was convicted earlier this year on corruption and bribery charges. Blagojevich, 51, and his chief of staff, John Harris, 46, were each charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery. If convicted they face a maximum of 30 years in jail. Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (1 vote) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Most Popular – Top Stories Viewed New recession warnings hit leading economies Muslim pilgrims stone Satan at the hajj Dow Chemical to cut 5,000 jobs, close 20 facilities Stocks take flight on prospects for anti-recession moves Military jet crashes in California suburb, three dead View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular

Other News on Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Chabad to rebuild Mumbai Jewish Center
China detains prominent dissident ahead of Human Rights Day: wife
Singapore’s largest gift box brings festive cheer to nearly 500 needy children
Chinese paper: Gov't critics sent to mental wards
'Letters to God' delivered to Western Wall
Japan PM Aso to raise territorial spat with Wen: FM
Keanu Reeves goes way of the samurai in '47 Ronin'
Indonesian, Australian leaders to discuss people smuggling: ministry
Party defies pundits to win state polls in India
Blur to reunite for concert
France says Dalai Lama talks not meant to offend China
Former Vodafone head up for Yahoo CEO post: WSJ
Greenpeace tries softer anti-whaling approach
Indian police to question another Mumbai suspect
Malkovich as a serial killer in Vienna in July: theatre
Information on gunmen killed in Mumbai attacks
British animator Oliver Postgate dies at 83
Pakistan extends crackdown on Mumbai suspects
Britain to put cigarettes under the counter
Iraqi police arrest 30 in fatal truck bombings
Van Gogh exhibition in Vienna attracts near record visitors
Americans working more, playing less: poll
Monaco ditches plan to expand into sea: prince
New European online library to remain down until January
Ultra-hawkish list of candidates for Likud
Coldplay responds to copyright lawsuit
Splendour of Russian tsars on show in London
Film fests plan cutbacks in tough financial times
First Muslim-friendly virtual world goes online
Miami City Ballet will drop orchestra to save cash
Cruise ships still making way to S’pore, despite tough economic times
PR governor seeks help for islanders held in China
MICA bracing for major challenges in light of slowing economy
Coldplay deny plagiarism allegations
Baltimore Opera Co. files for bankruptcy
Singapore excels in latest Mathematics and Science study
Sim Kee Boon Institute for Financial Economics hits S$17m endowment target
Oprah Winfrey says she now weighs 200 pounds
`Benjamin Button,' `Milk' top Critics' Choice noms
HP offering aims at penny-pinching IT departments
Gays urged to down tools for 'Day without a gay'
Actor Robert Prosky dies in DC at 77
Google adds magazines to online book archive
Academy Awards smackdown: Nixon vs. Batman?
Jennifer Hudson to begin filming video next week
Insider: T.R. Knight wants to leave 'Grey's'
Brandy rebounds after career setbacks, fatal crash
Official calls for economic cooperation
EU launches mission across volatile Kosovo
Riot-hit Athens shopkeepers face Christmas ruin
Global foreign policy leaders launch bid to eliminate nuclear arms
White House, lawmakers 'still hope for auto deal'
Illinois governor arrested for trying to sell Obama senate seat
Japan machinery orders down 4.4 percent in October
Markey wants waiver for air pollution standards
RBNZ governor says inflation to shape rate cuts
Seoul shares open 0.7 pct higher; Hynix rallies
NZ exports dip in Q3, terms of trade soft
Russia buries Patriarch in grand funeral | International |
Oil prices fall in profit taking, doubts on OPEC cut
Indian police name new suspect in Mumbai attack probe | International |
Sony to cut 8,000 jobs, 4 percent of work force
Indiscriminate drug killings sow terror in Mexico | International |
SKorean banks discuss 552 million dollar fund for Hynix
Oil prices fall in profit taking, doubts on OPEC cut
Mediator says Congo rebel talks make progress | International |
NKorea nuke envoys discuss verifying past activity
French writer says he's a mosquito in arms trial | International |
Nearly 1 billion people hungry | International |
Nobel winner open to NATO boost in Afghanistan | International |
Miss Congeniality, make way for Russia's Miss Constitution | International |
Kiefer Sutherland seeing star in Hollywood
New posthumous award for Heath Ledger's 'Dark Knight' role
Hollywood fears piracy may thrive in economic crisis
Malkovich as a serial killer in Vienna in July: theatre
Kiefer Sutherland seeing star in Hollywood
Britney Spears' 'Circus' CD lands her at No. 1
New posthumous award for Heath Ledger's 'Dark Knight' role
List of top 20 shows in prime-time Nielsen ratings
First-year series `Mentalist' tops Nielsen ratings
Hollywood fears piracy may thrive in economic crisis
Sony Ericsson, Vodafone back Google's Android | Technology |
Tyler Perry wins suit over copyright infringement
Yahoo workers will learn of layoffs Wednesday:source | Technology |
Lenovo expects more PC industry consolidation | Technology |
Sharp and LG Display to plead guilty to price fixing | Technology |
Mobile phone chip to counter radiation unveiled | Technology |
Is it time to buy memory chip makers? | Technology |
Presidential videogame to hit retail shelves | Technology |
Michelle Williams says Wendy and Lucy role a gift | Entertainment |
Eastwood recognizes Hmong immigrants with new film | Entertainment |
Oscar organizers face original dilemmas | Entertainment |
Jamie Foxx restarts the party with new album | Entertainment |
Gordy guiding Motown's 50th anniversary | Entertainment |
Fox to adapt 9-year-old's self-help book | Entertainment |
Miley Cyrus, Obama items hot online sellers in 2008 | Entertainment |
`WALL-E' wins L.A. critics best-picture honor
1 of Fantasia's homes in NC is up for auction
Girlfriend getaways with shopping perks, from $137
Officials find monkey carcasses in luggage
The Obama effect: How travel will change
Top 10 presidential getaways
Tech toys for business travelers
Ho-ho-holiday trains go jingle all the way
Hard times spark interest in New Deal sites
Lufthansa lowers passenger fuel surcharge
Troubleshooter: Funny math on a vacation refund
Woman convicted for smuggling monkey on flight
Some charges out against pilots in Brazil crash
Ski resorts roll out new rides for winter sliders
Hawaii's latest attraction: Obama tourism
Clowns bring comic relief to streets of Beirut
French box on the ropes as British ring craft goes global
British troops out of Iraq by June: media reports
Indian police name new suspect in Mumbai attack probe | International |
Illinois governor arrested for trying to sell Obama senate seat
U.S. says problems ahead in North Korea talks | International |
White House, Congress agree on outlines of auto bailout plan
No deal yet on auto rescue: WHouse
Mexico tightens police powers in raging drug war | International |
Malaysia frees man believed to have 9/11 links | International |
Attorney for Ruffalo suspect: wound self-inflicted
China grapples with new social safety net | International |
Illinois governor arrested for trying to sell Obama senate seat
Vietnam police launch probe in Japan bribery case: state media
Rice in Panama for LatAm meeting on trade
Following Obama, black Iraqis run for office | International |
Grieving husband forgives pilot in California horror crash
Malaysia frees alleged militant tied to 9/11 attackers
China leaders to table 2009 macro economic policy
Accidents kill 830,000 children each year: WHO | International |
Report: Creditors reach basic accord on Hynix aid
Oil turns higher in Asia
Canadian tortured in Syria victim of US conspiracy: lawyer
Malaysia leader pushes for reforms before retiring
South Korean won rises most in nearly 4 weeks
If u cn rd this quickly, gd 4 u | Technology |
Seoul shares hit another 4-wk high; autos rally
Court jails tanker officers over SKorea's worst oil spill
World Bank: East Asia to see slower growth in 2009
EA cuts outlook on weak holiday sales | Technology |
Toddler becomes Indonesia's 113th bird flu victim: WHO
World Bank: East Asia growth to slow in 2009
Troops quell sectarian violence in Indonesia
Turner, NBA team for 3-D 'All-Star' game | Technology |
Korea Hot Stocks-Carmakers, LG Display, fisheries
Deutsche Post CEO sees short recession, Asia expansion
Sony shares slide after restructuring plans | Technology |
Oil rises above $43 as investors await OPEC cut
China urges airlines to cancel, delay plane orders
India police release details of Mumbai attackers
Death toll in India bus accident rises to 63
Yahoo workers will learn of layoffs Wednesday: source | Technology |
World chipmakers face most difficult time ever: Hynix
Cash-rich Chinese to tour US on house-buying trip: organiser
Leno's primetime move at NBC good news for ABC | Entertainment |
Wall-E, Milk, Benjamin Button earn film honors | Entertainment |
Oprah mad at herself for ballooning weight | Entertainment |
Coldplay denies plagiarism accusation | Entertainment |
Actor Mark Ruffalo's brother dies after shooting | Entertainment |
Amsterdam's dare: balancing chic and shady in red light district
Playboy to continue aggressive cost cuts in 2009 | Entertainment |
Review: Reeves remake is a bad day on `Earth'
Leno's move to prime time becomes monologue fodder
A new landscape for Conan O'Brien succeeding Leno
Global financial crisis setting in for shipping
RPT-GLOBAL MARKETS-Shares rally on hopes govts to fight crisis
Shanghai workers protest after production halt
Top ten of "One Million Star" emerges
Art Basel's Miami fair feels brush of recession
Media taboos linger in China, but journalists push envelope
Mark Lee: I'm like a Bitter Gourd
US-led air raid kills Afghan civilian and six police: force
President Nathan pays last respects to late unionist Ho See Beng
Patty Hou's late father concerned about her marriage
Malaysia frees militant suspects held for years
India asks UN to ban Paksitani group
Man who bought stolen rocket launchers jailed in Australia
At 100, Portuguese filmmaker Oliveira has 'lots more left'
New media hub to launch next year
Two senior Lashkar members arrested: Pakistani PM
NKorea says US recognized it as nuclear power
Joe Nieh writes letter of repentance
India promises tougher security but worries remain
No cutbacks for organisers of S’pore leg in Volvo Ocean Race
Thaksin's daughter buys house in Hong Kong
Clashes outside parliament as strike grips Greece | International |
Assisted suicide film stokes right to die debate in Britain
Fifth of world's corals already dead, say experts
Nobel peace laurate urges Mideast focus for Obama | International |
General strike cripples Greece after new riots, protests
Zimbabwe cholera deaths rise to 746: UN
U.S.-led forces kill 7 Afghans in friendly fire | International |
Torture widespread, routine in Tibet, report says | International |
Police: Militant group snuck across Indian borders
Used oil may have caused Irish food crisis: paper | International |
Hong Kong studies effectiveness of vaccine after bird flu outbreak
Egypt's OT to start N. Korea mobile service Dec. 15
Zimbabwe cholera deaths up to 774: U.N. | International |
Countdown party to be held on floating platform at Marina Bay
TSE chief urges Japan to use public money for banks
Haj nears end as pilgrims stone devil, visit Mecca | International |
US envoy says NKorea nuclear talks hit stalemate
China's exports fall for first time in 7 years
China names and shames fake drug websites | International |
MDA ties up with Australian, Chinese, Korean partners
Sony launches PlayStation virtual community
Tanker captain convicted in 2007 SKorea oil spill
Sony set to launch 'virtual universe'
India asks UN to ban Pakistani group
Hong Kong stocks rally 5.6 percent
Labour chief says legislation to stop retrenchments is not the solution
Oil surpasses $43 as investors await OPEC cut
China shares rise amid regional gains
Oil rises to near $43 as investors await OPEC cut
Toyota to further cut production in N. America
S.Korea lifts rule on mobile platform, opens market
Vietnam lowers gasoline prices by 8 percent
MTI suspends Confirmed List for Industrial GLS Programme
Lawyers group refuses to defend Mumbai suspects
Secondary school students create ’ultimate Christmas pizza’
Pakistan confirms Mumbai arrests
Drowning, other accidents kill 800,000 kids a year
Australian pleads guilty in rocket launcher theft
Fifteen seek asylum in Australia after Homeless World Cup: reports
Malaysia frees 3 militant suspects held for years
Malaysia frees man believed to have 9/11 links
Turkmenistan frees rights activist
Suspected protester's body found at Bangkok airport: police
Toni Braxton says she had benign tumor removed
Pakistan confirms Mumbai arrests
Supporters hold vigil for Taiwan's ex-president
Internet watchdog backs down over naked girl image
Chinese protest on human rights anniversary
Michael Jackson's famous glittery glove for sale
Philippine exports fall 14.9 percent in October
Worries grow for Chinese economy amid global downturn
Activist: NKorean worker flees Kaesong factory
Singapore Q4 GDP seen up 0.4 pct y/y-survey
No progress in NKorea nuke talks: US
Australia, Indonesia agree to step up efforts against people smuggling
Italy: Furor after TV cuts 'Brokeback Mountain'
Nobel Peace winner urges Obama to focus on Mideast
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01