Seth Rich murder, Glenn Selig murder, Mueller “investigation”, Jack Burkman FOIA requests and lawsuits, Arkancide?, Left lies and someone dies
“I know that Seth Rich was involved in the DNC leak.”…Kim Dotcom
“Let me tell you something. They were all over that woman,”
“And it was the type of stuff we ran into with the outfit (the Chicago mob). Intimidation just by watching her, making their presence known. … Just to let her know ‘We can do what we want.’ ”…Attorney David Schippers, Clinton investigator
“Burkman said in an interview that he considered Selig like a brother and was badly shaken by his friend’s death.”
“The tragically ironic part is Glenn’s last words to me were, ‘Be careful,’” Burkman said. “It’s just a tragedy — terrible.””…Politico Jan. 24, 2018
The left lies and someone dies.
From Politico January 24, 2018.
“Spokesman for Rick Gates killed in Afghanistan hotel attack”
“A spokesman for Rick Gates, the former Trump campaign official indicted in the Russia investigation, was killed over the weekend in Afghanistan during the bombing and siege of a hotel that catered to foreigners.”
“Selig, a former investigative reporter for the Fox affiliate in Tampa, served as a spokesman in recent months both for Gates and for Jack Burkman, a lobbyist who recently organized a fundraiser for Gates that drew the ire of the judge overseeing his case.
U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson complained that Gates’ participation in the event via a videotaped statement, along with Burkman’s sharp rhetoric toward special counsel Robert Mueller’s team, appeared to run afoul of a gag order she had entered in the case. Earlier this month, she dropped the matter with a warning to Gates not to engage anyone to make statements about the case on his behalf.”
“Since his original indictment, Gates’s case has taken a few unexpected twists. A fundraiser last December organized by Republican lobbyist Jack Burkman to help Gates pay his legal bills raised the ire of Judge Amy Berman Jackson, who brought Gates into court to determine if the event violated her gag order on his case. Gates later shuffled most of his legal team. On Thursday, Mueller filed another 32 counts in federal court in Virginia alleging that Gates falsified his tax returns for several years; the plea being entered Friday does not appear to affect the new tax charges.”
“From The Profiling Project DC Superior Court filing, May 31, 2017.
“COMPLAINT FOR INJUNCTIVE AND DECLARATORY RELIEF
[Freedom of Information Act, D.C. Code § 2-531, et seq.]
1. This action is brought under the District of Columbia’s Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), D.C. Code § 2-531, et seq., as amended. Plaintiff, The Profiling Project, seeks injunctive and other appropriate relief for the disclosure and production of specific information.
The Profiling Project is an independent nonpartisan organization dedicated exclusively to solving the murder of Seth Rich. The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is obligated by law to maintain and make public records regarding the official acts of government and public officials. Specifically, The Profiling Project is seeking: 1) The surveillance video footage from the
second-floor camera at Fragler Market; 2) The Medical Examiner’s report from the examination of the body of Seth Rich; and 3) The forensic ballistic report of from the murder of Seth Rich.
The records sought are specific to the MPD’s controversial handling of the Seth Rich murder and are crucial to the public’s understanding of, and ability to evaluate, the MPD’s conduct during its investigation.”
“Democrat teams with Republican to solve Seth Rich murder”
“A Bernie Sanders campaign organizer and longtime Democrat joined forces with a Republican lobbyist and attorney to file a federal lawsuit against Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee for the release of the hacked DNC server they claim will reveal key information in solving the murder of DNC staffer Seth Rich.
Washington D.C.-based attorney Jack Burkman filed the suit on Tuesday in D.C. Superior Court along with the East Coast director of Black Men for Bernie, Gary Frazier.
At a press conference in front of DNC headquarters, Burkman asserted the DNC server will irrefutably prove the Democratic 2016 primary was rigged against Sanders, resolve whether Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential race and provide the “key” to solving the Rich murder mystery.
“In this case, we will finally, after a year and a half, get these servers. That, among other pieces of evidence, is probably the single most important piece of evidence in this case,” he said. “That will shed light on the entire Seth Rich mystery – we will know whether he was the leaker, we will know whether the Russians were involved, we will know whether WikiLeaks was involved.””
“On Tuesday, Jack Burkman, lawyer/community activist and director of The Profile Project, amended a lawsuit filed late last month against Hillary Clinton and the Democratic National Committee, to now include Donna Brazile, the former interim DNC chair, after she dropped two bombshells in her new book Hacks: The Inside Story of the Break-ins and Breakdowns That Put Donald Trump in the White House that speak directly to what happened to Seth Rich and the role the DNC allegedly played to ensure Hillary Clinton won the primary over Bernie Sanders.
Jack Burkman, who established the independent The Profiling Project to discover the truth about the unsolved murder, says by filing a lawsuit Ms. Brazile will be forced to say what she knows—under oath.
“If this were a random murder like police have maintained, why did Ms. Brazile fear for her own life,” says Burkman.
He says Brazile can clearly also offer critical information about what role the DNC Hillary Clinton’s primary win.
The lawsuit filed today in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia, will compel former DNC chair Donna Brazile to tell what she knows about the murder and explain why she feared for her own life.”
Hawaii judge Derrick Watson weakens Trump travel ban, Expands list of exceptions, Why not just issue birth certificates like done for foreign born Obama?
“All of the employment gains among women since the recession hit in December 2007 have been taken by foreigners, even at a time when the numbers of U.S.-born women surged more than 600,000, according to new federal statistics.”…Washington Examiner August 7, 2015
“Moore said he’s seen no convincing evidence that Obama is a “natural born citizen” and a lot of evidence that suggests he is not.”…Judge Roy Moore interview by WND
Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two make four. If that is granted, all else follows.”…George Orwell, “1984”
A “birth certificate” for foreign born Obama was manufactured from the record of birth recorded in Hawaii so why not just create one for the stream of other illegal immigrants. That way they can enter the country and run for president.
From The Hill July 14, 2017.
“Hawaii judge weakens Trump travel ban”
“A Hawaii federal judge dealt a blow to President Trump’s travel ban affecting six majority-Muslim nations on Thursday, expanding the list of exceptions to the executive order.
U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson, who blocked Trump’s original travel ban in March, weakened the already watered-down revised version by saying the government could not enforce the ban on grandparents, grandchildren, brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins of individuals living in the U.S.
The Supreme Court said in June that the Trump administration could enforce the ban against foreign nationals, but not those with a “bona fide” relationship or entity in the U.S.
The court plans to examine the ban in full during its next session.
White House officials originally told reporters after the ruling that foreign travelers from affected countries can only come to the U.S. to visit spouses, parents, parents-in-law, children, adult sons or daughters, siblings, step- or half-siblings, or sons- and daughters-in-law.
Hawaii asked a federal judge in June to clarify that the administration cannot enforce a temporary ban against certain relatives.
Watson said the administration has a flawed understanding of the decision, and expanded meaning of what a “bona fide” relationship is.”
The Profiling Project DC Superior Court filing, May 31, 2017, Seeking surveillance video footage medical examiner’s report forensic ballistic report, MPD controversial handling of the Seth Rich murder, Crucial to the public’s understanding
“If This Story Gets Out, We Are Screwed”…Wikileaks: Doug Band to John Podesta
“I know that Seth Rich was involved in the DNC leak.”…Kim Dotcom
“Let me tell you something. They were all over that woman,”
“And it was the type of stuff we ran into with the outfit (the Chicago mob). Intimidation just by watching her, making their presence known. … Just to let her know ‘We can do what we want.’ ”…Attorney David Schippers, Clinton investigator
From The Profiling Project DC Superior Court filing, May 31, 2017.
“COMPLAINT FOR INJUNCTIVE AND DECLARATORY RELIEF
[Freedom of Information Act, D.C. Code § 2-531, et seq.]
1. This action is brought under the District of Columbia’s Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), D.C. Code § 2-531, et seq., as amended. Plaintiff, The Profiling Project, seeks injunctive and other appropriate relief for the disclosure and production of specific information.
The Profiling Project is an independent nonpartisan organization dedicated exclusively to solving the murder of Seth Rich. The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is obligated by law to maintain and make public records regarding the official acts of government and public officials. Specifically, The Profiling Project is seeking: 1) The surveillance video footage from the
second-floor camera at Fragler Market; 2) The Medical Examiner’s report from the examination of the body of Seth Rich; and 3) The forensic ballistic report of from the murder of Seth Rich.
The records sought are specific to the MPD’s controversial handling of the Seth Rich murder and are crucial to the public’s understanding of, and ability to evaluate, the MPD’s conduct during its investigation.
2. MPD began their investigation of the Seth Rich murder on July 12, 2016 and has not released any new information since October 16, 2016. MPD essentially terminated their efforts in late October 2016. The case is now clearly a cold case. As such, the release of the desired information would not and could not harm MPD’s efforts in any way, as there is no continuing effort.
3. Significantly, this information is being irresponsibly withheld because its release would inform the public and lead to solving the murder of Seth Rich.
4. The MPD, having mismanaged the murder of an important young man, and wanting to keep such information concealed from public knowledge, is refusing to fulfill its record keeping obligations and public disclosure requirement and make public those records.
5. The D.C. Metropolitan Police Department and Chief Peter Newsham are standing in willful disobedience of their lawful obligations to disclose information, including defiantly stating
a refusal to disclose information where such information is mandated by law that it “shall be made available to the public on request.”
6. This defies the police accountability and transparency that the D.C. City Council intended to protect
7. The release of this crucial material will help bring peace to the victim’s family, and it will help to either confirm or refute the various theories that swirl about this important murder case.
8. During the investigation of the murder of Seth Rich, MPD acquired two security videos from the Flagler Market taken during the early morning hours of July 12, 2016. They have not made either video available.
9. The medical examiner’s report regarding the death of Seth Rich has never been released.”
My disability how it affected me and how I was treated by the disability insurance company and social security disability, Delay and deny incompetence and evil, What I will eventually write will shock and infuriate you
“Insurance Companies Practice Deny & Delay Tactics”…The Deutermann Law Group
“Some critics say being barred from court discourages complaints, and some of those barred from court say they don’t trust the arbitration system enough to pursue it. Joseph Belth, a retired professor of insurance at Indiana University and editor of a widely read industry newsletter, calls the ability of fraternals to unilaterally change dispute-resolution rules for policyholders “an outrage.””…WSJ May 30, 2006
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”…Ephesians 6:12
My disability, how it affected me and how I was treated by the Disability insurance company and Social Security Disability.
Prior to my disability, I had been active all of my life, had only been to the hospital for sports injuries and had worked hard mentally and physically.
My disability event happened on February 27, 2009.
After 2 initial filings for disability claims and a letter from an attorney, my claim was denied.
The claim has been ongoing since then and I have had legal representation for over a year.
I vowed that no matter how this played out, I would expose the mistreatment I received from the disability insurance company.
Since the claim process is ongoing, I will report what I am able to reveal.
Here is the general sequence of events:
I was upstairs and alone.
I felt a numbness beginning in my right foot which began to spread up my right side.
I walked a short distance to the bedroom and laid down.
I was thinking stroke but tried to remain calm.
I called my lady friend who called her physician father on the west coast.
She arrived home and immediately took me to the emergency room a short distance away.
They triaged me for stroke which thank God it wasn’t, ran some more tests and kept me overnight.
The numbness all along my right side began to go away overnight except for my right foot, which remains with me today.
It wasn’t just numbness but there was also pain. The closest analogy I can think of is when your hands get numb and painful from making snowballs too long.
From the time that I left the hospital I was forced to keep my right leg propped up and pretty soon my lower back beagn hurting.
I was in pain during the day and my sleep was difficult at night.
A few days later I had an appointment with the attending physician, who I had never met before the hospital visit. He began talking about taking vitamins and quite frankly did not impress me.
After the second visit and my insistence, he referred me to a podiatrist.
The podiatrist was competent and immediately referred me to a spine specialist.
The spine spcialists examined me and took xrays. They found compression and fusion in my lower back. They also gave me an injection for pain which did little to help.
On the next visit they ran point to point tests from my lower spine to my foot.
.
Their conclusion was atypical neuropathy.
I had contacted my disability insurance company earlier to inform them of what had happened and they sent claim forms.
I filed claims with them twice and on both occasions the spine specialists indicated “no work.”
After the second denial I had an attorney write an excellent letter to no avail (except for documentation).
I also filed an online claim with Social Security Disability. More on this later.
Knowing what I know now, I would have immediately contacted an attorney to handle this case.
There were multiple reasons why I did not.
First of all, this was a fraternal plan I had paid on for 25 years. I was in disbelief, shock as well as pain. I could not trust them.
Also in the contract you agree to go through a process of appeal, mediation and binding arbitration. I should have had an attorney handle that.
After months of diagnosis, filing claims and dealing with the pain I had to protect myself. Thank God I had assets. I got by on savings, disposal of assets and eventually early Social Security retirement at a reduced amount.
I was able to make payments on the house I moved back into after my lady (fair weather) friend broke things off and my car.
I am one of the fortunate ones.
The TV ads daily reveal those who were helped by an attorney or they would have gone under financially.
Once again, I am blessed. But I was devastated financially.
Medicare was a blessing. With the great supplement a friend recommended, I was able to get a knee replacement for my other knee.
Exercise became part of my therapy to reduce the pain. I was then able to resume it.
What the disability company did was wrong, evil.
I am not going to let them get away with this, for myself and others.
Rod Blagojevich commutation scenarios, Obama grants to silence him, Trump grants and gets Blagojevich to reveal Obama corruption, Blagojevich remains in prison and talks before silenced, Another mysterious death occurs
Why did Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department wait until December 2008 to arrest Rod Blagojevich?”…Citizen Wells
“I believe I’m more pristine on Rezko than him.”…Rod Blagojevich
“Regardless of how this plays out, it benefits Obama. If there is no appeal or the appeal is denied, Blagojevich will be sequestered. If the appeal proceeds, it could drag out beyond impacting the 2012 election cycle. The intent is obvious.”…Citizen Wells, July 19, 2011
I sincerely hope that Rod Blagojevich does not die of another “mysterious death” (as so many involved with the Clintons and Obama have) before he can reveal the details of Obama’s involvement in Chicago and Illinois corruption.
There is much to tell.
We are left with these questions.
Will Obama grant Blagojevich the commutation he requested?
If not, will Trump grant the commutation with the stipulation that he rat on Obama?
If not, will Blagojevich squeal in prison?
From the AP December 25, 2016.
“One of the last chances for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to win early release from federal prison rests on a pending decision by the man whose Senate seat Blagojevich was convicted of trying to sell – President Barack Obama.
Blagojevich, 60, is in the fourth year of a 14-year prison term. He recently submitted a request to have his sentence on wide-ranging corruption convictions commuted, the U.S. Department of Justice has confirmed.
Obama has rarely mentioned his fellow Chicago Democrat since Blagojevich’s December 2008 arrest, a month after Obama won the presidency, so it’s hard to gauge if he’d give Blagojevich’s request for a reduced sentence serious thought.
A look at the commutation process and factors that could influence a decision:
WHAT IT IS
A commutation is a reduction of a sentence, while pardons amount to forgiveness of a crime that also removes restrictions on rights to run for office and vote. In federal cases, only presidents have the power to reduce a sentence.
If Obama doesn’t get around to deciding on Blagojevich’s application before his last day in office, he would leave it for someone else with a tie to the ex-governor to decide: President-elect Donald Trump.
Blagojevich was on Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” TV show in 2010. While Trump eventually “fired” Blagojevich as a contestant, he praised Blagojevich for how he fought his criminal case, telling him, “You have a hell of a lot of guts.”
Among the factors Obama can consider is whether Blagojevich’s punishment was disproportionate to the crime. His 14-year prison term was the longest for an Illinois politician for corruption and his lawyers argue it was too severe.”
“One connection between the politicians – an uncomfortable one for Obama – is that he and Blagojevich once shared the same fundraiser, Tony Rezko. Rezko was convicted in June 2008 of fraud, money laundering and bribery.”
Do you believe that Obama was less guilty than Blagojevich?
Remember, only 2 percent of the wiretaps were released during the Blagojevich trials.
And they were damning for Obama.
From Citizen Wells August 2, 2015.
Blagojevich attorney Len Goodman is requesting that the full court review the appeal that was just ruled on by 3 judges.
How does this fit in with the deal that I am certain was struck with Obama et al?
To protect Obama and keep Blagojevich from talking.
I wrote this on July 19, 2011:
“Regardless of how this plays out, it benefits Obama. If there is no appeal or the appeal is denied, Blagojevich will be sequestered. If the appeal proceeds, it could drag out beyond impacting the 2012 election cycle. The intent is obvious.”
The prosecution and reporting of Rod Blagojevich has been so watered down that it barely resembles what actually happened.
Why?
To protect Obama.
For those of you blinded by the BS from the mainstream media or not familiar with this case, Blagojevich, not Obama was the presumptive presidential candidate in 2006. Within one year it was Obama.
The Blagojevich Administration came under investigation by late 2003 and Tony Rezko was at the center of much of the corruption.
Stuart Levine carried out the orders of Rezko and Obama was closely tied to both men.
Federal investigators soon knew of Obama’s ties to the corruption but for some reason focused more on Blagojevich and chose to wait until after the 2008 elections to arrest him.
Why?
“this guy is more Tony’d up than I am. …. they got the Chicago media to f…ing make me wear Rezko more. To f…ing dilute it from him.…Rod Blagojevich wiretap November 12, 2008
“BLAGOJEVICH: You know, Axelrod and Obama’s people, you know, clearly turned, you know, got the Chicago media to make Rezko all about me. And hardly about…
HARRIS: Yeah, in other words, they focus their,they focus their attention on you. They couldn’t make it go away so the bes-, next best strategy is deflect it.
BLAGOJEVICH: Right.
HARRIS: This is somewhere where it, it’ll satisfy the, the hunger of the beast, being the media.
BLAGOJEVICH: Right, right.
HARRIS: Yeah, it makes sense. It’s not a stretch. If I’m, if I’m his message advisor, media advisor or whatever, operative, yeah I’m gonna try to feed the beast by giving ‘em something else to eat on.”…Rod Blagojevich wiretap November 12, 2008
Here is some background on the complete story from Citizen Wells March 14, 2011.
“This is the first article in a series about corruption in the US Justice Department and specifically an operation I refer to as “Protecting Obama.” Many events smelled back in 2008, but with the passage of time, the stench is corroborated. Below is the Evidentiary Proffer, a summary and timeline of the bulk of evidence that reveals how Obama was protected in the investigation and prosecution of Tony Rezko, Rod Blagojevich, et al. The time is right to present my case. There are enough well documented events to make a strong case. As I have mentioned recently, I have contacted a prominent congressman about this issue and others and this is a way to get the facts in front of the congressman, his staff and the public. The Proffer will certainly be updated from time to time. I will next present an opening statement and then go on to present the case in more detail. However, anyone who has been paying careful attention or who reads this Proffer, will come to the obvious conclusion presented here of collusion involving the US Justice Department, Patrick Fitzgerald, Barack Obama, and probably Rod Blagojevich and Tony Rezko.
Before reading the Proffer, here is a recap of how important Rezko is to the prosecution of Blagojevich and ultimately indicting Obama.
It is understandable why the Blagojevich defense team does not want Rezko on the stand. Judge Zagel’s comment about Rezko being a bad witness reeks of conspiracy. Convicted felons of all categories are regularly used as witnesses. Stuart Levine, the key witness in the Rezko trial was not only enmeshed in corruption but was a long time drug user.
Here are the approximate number of times that “Rezko” is mentioned in US Justice Department documents.
Even if a strong argument is made against using Rezko as a witness, and good luck with that argument, Stuart Levine was used extensively as a witness in the Rezko trial, and his name was mentioned approx. 146 times in the Blagojevich Criminal Complaint. And remember, Blagojevich’s name was mentioned at least 30 times on one day of the Rezko trial.
U.S. Citizens
V.
U.S. Justice Department,
Barack Hussein Obama
Evidentiary Proffer supporting charge of Collusion in protecting Obama during the course of investigating and prosecuting Tony Rezko and Rod Blagojevich.
Jan. – Aug. 2003: Obama was Chairman of the IL Senate Health and Human Service Committee. Feb. 20, 2003: Senate Bill 1332 “Illinois Health Facilities Planning Act” filed. Reduced members of IL Health Planning and Facilities Board from 15 to 9.
(Rezko Trial March 13, 2008; 3:09 p.m.)
“Almanaseer was appointed to the planning board in 2003 on Rezko’s recommendation. Prosecutors contend he became part of a five-member voting bloc on the board that followed Rezko’s wishes. Almanaseer said board Chairman Thomas Beck tried to steer his voting.
“He said, ‘If you just don’t know which way to vote, vote the way Mr. Levine votes because that’s the way Tony would want the vote to go,” Almanaseer recalled, referring to Stuart Levine.”
Spring 2003 – Nov 2003: (Rezko trial March 11, 2008; 10:58 a.m.)
“Jennifer Thomas, a former aide to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s patronage chief Joe Cini, continued on the stand Tuesday morning and gave a few more insights into those regular Monday morning meetings she and Cini held in 2003 with Antoin “Tony” Rezko at his office.”
“Thomas said Rezko floated the names of several people to sit on the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, which the government claims Rezko corrupted with the help of board member Stuart Levine. And Thomas said Rezko at one point made it clear that he wanted to see Levine reappointed to the panel, which was being overhauled by the governor in 2003.” May 21, 2003: Senate Bill 1332 passed by House and Senate. June 27, 2003: Blagojevich made this the effective date of Senate Bill 1332. June 2003: (Rezko trial March 10, 2008; 4:16 p.m.)
“Ziegelmueller asked Hayden about a 2003 e-mail exchange with Lichtenstein, then the governor’s top lawyer, in which Wilhelm made recommendations for the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board.
The name of Barack Obama, the Democratic front-runner for the presidential nomination, also appears in the e-mail as a member of a strategic team reviewing hospital board matters with the governor’s staff when he was a state senator. The hospital board was scheduled to be revamped in the summer of 2003.
Obama was then chairman of the Senate Committee on Health & Human Services.” June 30, 2003: Obama gets the following donations.
$5000 Ali Ata was appointed as Director at IFA
$6000 Alison Davis gets appointment on Investment Board
$15,000 Dr. Michael Malek gets appointment on Hospital Facility Board
$5000 Abdelhamid Chaib’s wife gets appointment on Employee Security Board
$10,000 Elie Maloof – Rezko used him as one of several strawmen to donate funds to certain politicians.
$1000 Phil Cacciatore (one of Auchi’s Riverside Park Investors) gets seat on Board
$1000 Velma Butler (one of Auchi’s Riverside Park Investors) was recommended for Board
$1000 Martello Pollack (Vegas Crystal Comm) received Iraqi Construction contracts
$1000 Jack Carriglio gets appointed to Board
$500 Anthony Abboud gets appointed to Board
$3000 Michael Winter, who helped Rezko in funneling kickbacks through investment firm
$1000 Talat Othman gets appointed to Board
$1000 David Gustman, $1000 from Gustman’s wife after he is appointed Board Chairman Late 2003: Earliest documented awareness by FBI and Patrick Fitzgerald of corruption in Blagojevich admin. Pamela Meyer Davis agreed to secretly record conversations involving state health planning board with an FBI wire. Oct. 29, 2003: Blagojevich interest in presidency (Blagojevich criminal complaint pg 14).
“During the conversation, Cari and ROD BLAGOJEVICH discussed Cari’s fundraising background and work as a national fundraiser. ROD BLAGOJEVICH discussed his interest in running for President of the United States.” Dec 17, 2003: Former Governor George Ryan indicted.
“Mr. Fitzgerald announced that he was prosecuting former Gov. George Ryan, a Republican, in a scandal that had been swirling around long before Mr. Fitzgerald got here and that many people thought would never touch the most powerful politicians in Illinois. But there Mr. Fitzgerald was, a week before Christmas, ticking off the details of a 91-page indictment against Mr. Ryan, seemingly from memory.
That, even Mr. Fitzgerald’s former opponents in the courtroom say, is classic Fitzgerald: dogged, dispassionate and endlessly prepared.” 2004 – 2005: (February 10, 2008 Sun-Times)
“In the media, Obama always made it sound like he rarely saw Rezko, saying they met for breakfast or lunch once or twice a year. However, the FBI mole John Thomas helped investigators “build a record of repeat visits to the old offices of Rezko and former business partner Daniel Mahru’s Rezmar Corp., at 853 N. Elston, by Blagojevich and Obama during 2004 and 2005,“
During his March 14, 2008 interview, the Times told Obama, Thomas is an FBI mole and he “recently told us that he saw you coming and going from Rezko’s office a lot.”
“And three other sources told us that you and Rezko spoke on the phone daily.”” March – May 2004: (Rezko trial exhibits)
FBI chart presented to the jury on April 28, 2008, shows 257 calls from Rezko’s phones to Blagojevich’s chief of staff, Lon Monk, between March 2004 and May 2004 alone.
“Stuart Levine, the prosecution’s star witness, said he and Obama were at a party Rezko threw at his Wilmette mansion on April 3, 2004, for Nadhmi Auchi, a controversial Iraqi-born billionaire who Rezko was trying to get to invest in a South Loop real-estate development.
Auchi, now a citizen of the United Kingdom, has faced criminal charges in Europe. He also figured in the revocation of Rezko’s bond early this year after attempting to wire him more than $3 million. Upon learning of that attempt, U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve declared Rezko a flight risk and ordered him held in a federal jail in the Loop.
The Rezko party in 2004 was designed to induce Auchi to pour money into the South Loop investment. Obama’s presence at the party was not previously known. At the time, Obama was fresh off a surprise win in the Illinois Democratic primary for U.S. Senate and was riding a crest of national publicity.” April 8 – May 21, 2004: (Rezko Trial March 12, 2008; 11:11 a.m.)
“FBI Special Agent Daniel Cain, the primary case agent on the investigation into Levine and Rezko, is on the stand now in testimony that is laying the foundation for entering the wiretaps into evidence.
Cain said the investigation, dubbed Operation Board Games by the federal agents, began in December 2003 and was prompted by information gleaned from an informant whom he did not identify. That witness, he said, took part in meetings with two other individuals who were in contact with Levine by phone at his home.
Cain said Levine had three phone lines in his North Shore home. Federal agents recorded conversations on those lines April 8-May 21, 2004. Those dates span the time when Levine, Rezko and others allegedly were working to rig the hospital board vote on a Mercy Health System hospital proposal for Crystal Lake and other kickback schemes prosecutors claim they were engaged in.” April 21, 2004: (Rezko Trial March 11, 2008; 5:27 p.m.)
“The former lawyer for a state board that regulates hospital expansions took the stand late in the afternoon and said she told Stuart Levine of her concern after an odd vote on the Mercy Hospital project that included Levine whispering to other board members before the project was approved.
His response was no less troubling, she said.
“He shrugged his shoulders and said, ‘Sometimes you have to be a good soldier,’” said Anne Murphy, the former lawyer for the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board.
Murphy said Levine’s remark followed a vote that saw the plan for a new hospital in Crystal Lake squeak by with the minimum of five votes in favor on the nine-member board.
With eight members present at the April 2004 meeting, Murphy said the vote was stalled with three members voting “yes,” two voting “no” and two abstentions when Chairman Thomas Beck was called to give his vote.
Beck said, “Where’re we at?” Murphy testified. He then went over to whisper with Levine off the record, she said. When that conversation ended, Murphy said, Levine got up and whispered to Imad Almanaseer.
Beck then voted yes, Murphy testified, and Almanaseer changed his vote to “yes,” giving the plan the necessary votes to pass.
“There was an audible, collective gasp across the room,” Murphy recalled of the April 2004 meeting.
Prosecutors contend the five members who voted for the hospital were a Levine-led bloc that Rezko had placed on the board and controlled. The two were charged with arranging to accept a kickback from the builder who was going to build the Mercy project in Crystal Lake.
The entire board was new as of the summer of 2003, Murphy said. She said she had given the new members memos on ethics, including conflicts of interest.”
“Another government wiretap has been played with Antoin “Tony” Rezko’s voice on it, and this one could prove damaging to his defense. On the tape, recorded May 18, 2004, Rezko can be heard giving orders to political fixer Stuart Levine about how he wanted to manipulate the vote of one of Levine’s fellow members on the Illinois Health Facilities Planning board, Danalynn Rice.
June 7, 2004: Stuart Levine, member of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, abruptly resigns. This is the first indication that the Blagojevich administration is under federal criminal investigation.
July 2, 2004: Stuart Levine resigns from the state Teachers’ Retirement System board. July 27, 2004: Obama Democratic Convention Speech. May 9, 2005: Stuart Levine indicted on corruption charges. Federal subpoena issued to Tony Rezko. June 15, 2005: Obama purchases home next door to Rezko for $1.65 million, $300,000 less than the asking price. June 15, 2005: Rita Rezko, Tony’s wife purchased plot next door for $625,000 asking price. Sept. 15, 2005: Joseph Cari, former lawyer for the state’s teacher’s pension board pleads guilty to extortion. A high ranking public official is described in court documents only as “Public official A.” Oct. 25, 2005: The Chicago Tribune reports about a federal grand jury investigation into the alleged political hiring practices of the Blagojevich administration. Late 2005 early 2006: From the Kenneth J. Conner complaint against Mutual Bank filed Oct. 16, 2008. The lawsuit is still active.
“11. In late 2005 or early 2006, Conner performed an appraisal review of the Adams Appraisal (Exhibit C) per the directive of Richard Barth and James Murphy. Conner prepared a written Appraisal Review report (ARR) opining that the Adams Appraisal overvalued the Greenwood lot by a minimum of $ 125,000.00″
“18. On October 23, 2007, eight days after Conner’s October 15, 2007 email to Schlabach attached as Exhibit J, Mutual Bank terminated Conner’s employment for pretextual reasons.”
Conner later told World Net daily when he initially was fired, that the bank and the Rezkos were engaged in “fraud, bribes or kickbacks, use whatever term you want,” to benefit the Obamas.
Soon after the Blagojevich arrest, Conner was interviewed by investigators from Fitzgerald’s office. Jan. 2006: Rita Rezko sells the Obamas one-sixth of her lot for $104,500. Feb. 4, 2006: (Chicago Sun-Times)
“Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has always been rumored to be interested in higher office. A single entry in a campaign-finance report he filed this week could add fuel to the speculation.
Blagojevich paid $7,500 in December to one of the top Democratic political strategists in Iowa, where contacts are important for anyone with presidential aspirations.” Feb. 19, 2006: Blagojevich began his 2006 re-election to IL Governor. Aug. 5, 2006: The Chicago Tribune reports that Stuart Levine is cooperating with the federal investigation of state government. Aug. 11-20 2006: Illinois State Fair. “We’ve got a governor in Rod Blagojevich who has delivered consistently on behalf of the people of Illinois,” Obama told the crowd. Oct. 11, 2006: Tony Rezko is indicted on federal charges he sought millions of dollars in kickbacks and campaign donations from firms seeking state business.
Oct. 22, 2006: Obama publicly states he is considering a run for the Presidency. Oct. 27, 2006: Stuart Levine pleads guilty in a scheme to squeeze millions of dollars from firms seeking state business. Court papers contain allegations that Rezko and Christopher Kelly were using their influence for corrupt purposes. Nov. 7, 2006 (Chicago SunTimes)
“The Rezko story broke last week, when Obama was wrapping up a national tour serving several purposes: promote his new book, The Audacity of Hope, raise money and stump for Democrats, and lay the groundwork for a possible 2008 White House bid.” Jan. 16, 2007: Obama announces his intention to run for president.
“I’ve navigated some fairly difficult territory in my political career and, you know, there are some folks in Springfield who are pretty wily.
And I’ve always been able to operate effectively, but also do so in a way that’s consistent with my values and ethics. I make no claims of perfection, but I think that generally my judgment and my assessments of people have been pretty good and that’s part of how I’ve stayed out of trouble in what can be a pretty hurly burly political environment. ….. I think that the way [voters should view the Rezko relationship] is that I made a mistake in not seeing the potential conflicts of interest or appearances of impropriety. But they should see somebody who was not engaged in any wrongdoing, who did not in any way betray the public trust, who has maintained consistently high ethical standards and who they can trust.” Feb 10, 2008: (Chicago Sun-Times)
“Sources said Thomas helped investigators build a record of repeat visits to the old offices of Rezko and former business partner Daniel Mahru’s Rezmar Corp., at 853 N. Elston, by Blagojevich and Obama during 2004 and 2005.” March 6, 2008: Rezko trial begins. April 22, 2008: Ali Ata pleads guilty to obstruction of justice and agrees to cooperate. May 2, 2008: Illinois Senate narrowly defeated a measure aimed at giving voters a chance to recall Gov. Rod Blagojevich. June 4, 2008: Rezko convicted on 16 of 24 counts.
Count 1 contains ties to Blagojevich and Obama.
The following conviction counts are related to Mercy Hospital and the rigging of the Planning Board.
1, 11, 12, 14, 15
A large portion of the testimony in the Rezko Trial was about the rigging of the Planning Board. Aug. 20, 2008: Rezko sentencing delayed. Oct. 9, 2008: Rezko sentencing delayed. Oct. 30, 2008: William Cellini indicted Nov. 4, 2008: Washington Times report.
“A former Illinois real estate specialist says FBI agents have questioned him about a Chicago property that had been bought by convicted felon Tony Rezko’s wife and later sold to the couple’s next-door neighbor, Sen. Barack Obama.
The real estate specialist, Kenneth J. Conner, said bank officials replaced an appraisal review he prepared on the property and FBI agents were investigating in late 2007 whether the Rezko-Obama deal was proper.
“Agents and I talked about payoff, bribe, kickback for a long time, though it took them only a short number of minutes of talking with me while looking at the appraisal to acknowledge what they already seemed to know: The Rezko lot was grossly overvalued,” Mr. Conner told The Washington Times Monday.
“Rezko paid the asking price on the same day Obama paid $300,000 less than the asking price to the same seller for his adjacent mansion,” he said. “This begs the question of payoff, bribe, kickback.””
Dec. 7, 2008: Criminal complaint of Blagojevich. Nine individuals is important. Obama helped passed a bill to reduce the number from 15 to 9.
“b. Corruption of the Planning Board”
“At the relevant time period, the Planning Board consisted of nine individuals.”
“Planning Board” (IL Health Facilities Planning Board) is mentioned 31 times.
“Rezko” is mentioned 170 times.
“Hospital” in context of Mercy Hospital mentioned 8 times. Dec. 9, 2008: Blagojevich arrested
“Fitzgerald said, “We make no allegations” that Obama was aware of any alleged scheming by Blagojevich.” Jan. 9, 2009: IL House votes 114 to 1 to impeach Blagojevich. Jan 29, 2009: IL Senate removes Blagojevich from office. Feb 12, 2009: “US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who brought criminal fraud charges against former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, will stay on with the Obama administration, reports Pete Williams at NBC.” APRIL 2, 2009: Press release, Superceding Indictment. There is no mention of nine board members.
“Planning Board” (IL Health Facilities Planning Board) is mentioned 7 times
“Rezko” is mentioned 100 times.
http://www.justice.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2009/pr0402_01a.pdf July 30, 2009: Patrick Fitzgerald, the top prosecutor in Illinois’ Northern District, has been named interim chairman of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys (AGAC). Feb. 4, 2010: Second superceding indictment. There is no mention of nine board members.
“Planning Board” (IL Health Facilities Planning Board) is mentioned 7 times
“Rezko” is mentioned 87 times.
“Hospital” in context of Mercy Hospital mentioned 1 time.
“During the relevant time period, the Planning Board consisted of nine individuals.”
“Rezko was able to obtain significant influence over the affairs of the Planning Board by arranging for Blagojevich to appoint five of Rezko’s associates and/or friends, including Levine, as members of the Planning Board in 2003.”
“Rezko” is mentioned 288 times.
“Hospital” in context of Mercy Hospital mentioned 18 times. April 22, 2010: Motion filed to subpoena Obama and redacted parts revealed.
“22. However, the defense has a good faith belief that Mr. Rezko, President Obama’s former friend, fund-raiser, and neighbor told the FBI and
the United States Attorneys
Redacted:
a different story about President Obama. In a recent in camera proceeding, the government tendered a three paragraph letter indicating that Rezko “has stated
in interviews with the government that he engaged in election law violations by personally contributing a large sum of cash to the campaign of a public official who is not Rod Blagojevich. … Further, the public official denies being aware of cash contributions to his campaign by Rezko or others and denies having conversations with Rezko related to cash contributions. … Rezko has also stated in interviews with the government that he believed he transmitted a quid pro quo offer from a lobbyist to the public official, whereby the lobbyist would hold a fundraiser for the official in exchange for favorable official action, but that the public official rejected the offer. The public official denies any such conversation. In addition, Rezko has stated to the government that he and the public official had certain conversations about gaming legislation and administration, which the public official denies having had.”10
10 The defense has a good faith belief that this public official is Barack Obama.”
June 29, 2010: Judge Zagel said there was a word to describe witnesses like Rezko who damage whatever side calls them to testify.
“generally explains why they’re not called.”
Aug. 17, 2010: Blagojevich convicted of 1 of 24 counts. Neither Rezko or Levine were called as witnesses. One juror held out from indicting on more counts. The trial was much shorter than predicted . Approx 2% of the wiretaps were presented. Jan. 6, 2011: Rezko sentencing delayed indefinitely. Jan. 28, 2011: Rezko sentencing set for October 21, 2011. Feb. 24, 2011: Counts 1,2,4 in the Blagojevich Indictment are dropped. This represents approx. half of the indictment and includes numerous corruption ties to Blagojevich and Obama.
The only reference left to “Hospital” in context of Mercy Hospital was in count one. March 9, 2011: Blagojevich files motion to be sentenced on one conviction charge.
Teneo Clinton Foundation emails involving Hillary Bill Huma Abedin Mills released soon, State Dept. delay motion granted and denied in part, Abedin employee of Teneo while deputy chief of staff to Clinton at State Department, Julian Assange WikiLeaks please release too
“State Department is using taxpayer dollars to protect their candidate, Hillary Clinton,”
“The American people have a right to see these emails before the election.”…David Bossie, Citizens United
“By July 1993, the Clintons and their associates had established
a pattern of concealment with respect to the Clintons’ involvement
with Whitewater and the Madison S&L. Because of the complexity
of the allegations of misdeeds involving these institutions, documents
and files are critical to any inquiries into the matter. Yet,
at every important turn, crucial files and documents ‘‘disappeared’’
or were withheld from scrutiny whenever questions were raised.…Senate Whitewater report June 13, 1996
“My Next Leak Will Ensure Hillary’s Arrest”…Julian Assange
It appears that the emails involving Bill and Hillary Clinton, Huma Abedin and Cheryl Mills with the Clinton Foundation and Teneo may be released soon.
However, Julian Assange and Wikileaks, if you have these emails, please release them now for the good of the US and the world.
From The Daily Caller June 30, 2016.
“EXCLUSIVE: State Department Won’t Release Clinton Foundation Emails for 27 Months
If the court permits the delay, the public won’t be able to read the communications until October 2018, about 22 months into her prospective first term as President. The four senior Clinton aides involved were Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Michael Fuchs, Ambassador-At-Large Melanne Verveer, Chief of Staff Cheryl Mills, and Deputy Chief of Staff Huma Abedin.
David N. Bossie, president of Citizens United, which requested the documents under the Freedom of Information Act, called the delay “totally unacceptable” and charged that “the State Department is using taxpayer dollars to protect their candidate, Hillary Clinton.”
“The American people have a right to see these emails before the election,” Bossie told the Daily Caller News Foundation.
U.S. District Court Judge Rudolph Contreras, a President Obama-appointed judge, had previously ordered the State Department to release the requested documents by July 21. But Department of Justice lawyers informed Contreras Wednesday night that “the [State] department discovered errors in the manner in which the searches had been conducted in order to capture documents potentially responsive to plaintiff’s request.” The motion was filed by Justice Department attorney Joseph Borson on behalf of the State Department.
Borson also provided new details about how few resources the State Department has devoted to answering 106 separate Freedom of Information Act requests that are pending before it, many of them ordered by federal judges. Only 71 “part-time” retired foreign service officers are being used to review all of the pending FOIA requests.”
On July 25, 2016 Judge Rudolph Contreras ruled on the motion.
“For the foregoing reasons, it is hereby ORDERED that Defendant’s motion for an extension of time to complete production (ECF No. 12) is GRANTED IN PART AND DENIED IN PART.
It is FURTHER ORDERED that the following schedule shall govern Defendant’s processing of the approximately 12,515 outstanding pages that Defendant must still process, see Status Report 1, ECF No. 17:
1. Defendant shall process 2000 pages and produce any non-exempt responsive material to Plaintiff on or before August 22, 2016;
2. Defendant shall process 3000 pages and produce any non-exempt responsive material to Plaintiff on or before September 21, 2016;
3. Defendant shall process 4000 pages and produce any non-exempt responsive material to Plaintiff on or before October 21, 2016;
4. Defendant shall process 1600 pages and produce any non-exempt responsive material to Plaintiff on or before November 4, 2016.
5. Defendant shall process 1915 pages and produce any non-exempt responsive material to Plaintiff on or before November 21, 2016.
“Then there is Teneo Holdings, a global consulting firm with deep Clinton connections. Teneo serves as a kind of private-enterprise satellite to Clinton Inc. Doug Band, Mr. Clinton’s right-hand man for many years, is a Teneo founder. Huma Abedin, Mrs. Clinton’s right-hand woman for many years, was a senior advisor to Teneo at the same time she held a top position as part of Mrs. Clinton’s inner circle at the State Department. Bill Clinton was both a paid adviser to Teneo and a client. Secretary of State Clinton’s former Economic Envoy to Northern Ireland, Declan Kelly, is a Teneo co-founder and CEO.
Teneo boasts of a vast reach across international arenas, partnering “exclusively with the CEOs and senior leaders of many of the world’s largest and most complex companies and organizations.” In a Clintonian claim of cosmic proportions, Teneo says the firm addresses a “range of financial, reputational and transformational challenges and opportunities by combining the disciplines of strategic communications, investor relations, investment banking, financial analytics, executive recruiting, digital analytics, corporate governance, government affairs, business intelligence, management consulting and corporate restructuring on an integrated basis.”
Got that? In fact, Teneo is rather shadowy, with only a few known corporate clients. It is best known for its relation with the Clintons and the Clinton Foundation. Journalists so far have seemed unwilling or unable to penetrate much further into Teneo. But that appears to have changed with Mrs. Clinton’s formal entry into the presidential race and the dawning realization among media types that the Clinton Foundation, Teneo and the disappearing State Dept. emails really do signal that some sort of gigantic sleazy game is afoot.
Still, the task is daunting. Where to begin? The Clinton Method of old, honed in the media wars of the 1990s, was a relentless parry of deny, deflect and defame. Today, most mainstream journalistic organizations do not have the patience or the money for the kind of sustained journalistic digging that is needed for serious investigative reporting. Advantage, Clintons.
But the wild card here, of course, is the new media. This isn’t your mama’s 1990s-style Fourth Estate. Times have changed. Today, social media can create a story tsunami in a matter of hours, even minutes. No one can control it. The legacy media still plays a critical role, but the fact is, it’s the Wild West out there, with thousands of independent operators, including serious investigative reporters, many with little more institutional support than a laptop and a website.
Reporter Ron Brynaert is one example of this new breed of investigative gunslinger. A former executive editor for Raw Story, Brynaert has been digging deep into the Teneo connection and publishing his findings at his blog, “-gate news” and on Twitter. While the media focus on former Clinton aide Doug Band as the key Teneo founder, Brynaert has explored the extensive Clinton ties of Declan Kelly, the Teneo co-founder and CEO. Based on Brynaert’s reporting, Kelly seems to be the real brains behind the operation.”
“As for Abedin, her dual roles have attracted the attention of Senator Chuck Grassley, who wrote the State Department in June 2013 requesting clarification. The State Department and Abedin did not provide Grassley with “a single document,” the senator later said, complaining that a “stone wall” had been put up. Abedin did not reply to Grassley, but wrote State Department officials that “I was not asked, nor did I undertake, any work on Teneo’s behalf before the State Department (and I should note that it is my understanding that Teneo does not conduct business with the Department of State). I also was not asked, nor did I provide, insights about the Department, my work with the Secretary, or any government information to which I may have had access.”
In her letter to State Department officials, linked by Brynaert, Abedin notes that from June 2012 to February 2013, her paying jobs included: work at the State Department as “a part-time consultant;” assisting Secretary Clinton “in her personal capacity…prepare for transition from public service;” work for the Clinton Foundation assessing programs and helping plan for Mrs. Clinton’s “post-State philanthropic activities;” and work for Teneo Holdings providing “strategic advice and consulting services.”
Thus, at the time of the December 2012 event in Belfast, Brynaert notes, Abedin was simultaneously employed by “the State Department, Teneo, the Clinton Foundation and Hillary Clinton” in a personal capacity.
Citing possible misconduct and misrepresentation, Judicial Watch has asked a federal judge to reopen a Freedom of Information lawsuit that sought records related to Abedin’s multiple roles at the State Department and with Teneo.”
“Bossie asserted the “State Department is using taxpayer dollars to protect their candidate, Hillary Clinton,” and told the Caller, “The American people have a right to see these emails before the election.”
But perhaps most indicative of possible favoritism, if not outright corruption, the announcement of the delay came just two days after Bill Clinton’s already controversial private meeting with Lynch — though email hijinx might not have been the sole outcome of the rendezvous.
Bill Clinton might have been seeking some protection of his own.
Former U.S. Attorney Joseph DiGenova exclusively told the Daily Caller the former President “is at least a witness in two criminal investigations, probably a subject in two criminal investigations. He is a person of interest officially to the Department of Justice.”
And as DiGenova emphasized, because both Bill and Hillary stand at the heart of several criminal and corruption probes, the private meeting with Lynch actually violates DoJ policy.
“It’s very important to realize this isn’t just a question of her judgment,” the former U.S. Attorney told the Caller. “The question is the Department of Justice policy on communicating with a side in a case.”
DiGenova explained the DoJ and Lynch have strict obligations to maintain impartiality — and Bill Clinton’s ‘legal status’ as a party to federal investigations should put him off limits for such unofficial and off-the-record meetings.
Read more:
Blagojevich amicus brief urges supreme court to hear case, Blagojevich SCOTUS appeal update January 18, 2016, Time to file response to petition extended twice, Brief amici curiae of current and former elected officials
Why did Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department wait until December 2008 to arrest Rod Blagojevich?”…Citizen Wells
“I believe I’m more pristine on Rezko than him.”…Rod Blagojevich
“Regardless of how this plays out, it benefits Obama. If there is no appeal or the appeal is denied, Blagojevich will be sequestered. If the appeal proceeds, it could drag out beyond impacting the 2012 election cycle. The intent is obvious.”…Citizen Wells, July 19, 2011
The US Supreme Court website reveals the following status of the Rod Blagojevich appeal:
No. 15-664
Title:
Rod Blagojevich, Petitioner
v.
United States
Docketed:
November 19, 2015
Lower Ct:
United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
Case Nos.:
(11-3853)
Decision Date:
July 21, 2015
Rehearing Denied:
August 19, 2015
~~~Date~~~
~~~~~~~Proceedings and Orders~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nov 17 2015
Petition for a writ of certiorari filed. (Response due December 21, 2015)
Dec 16 2015
Order extending time to file response to petition to and including January 20, 2016.
Dec 21 2015
Brief amici curiae of Current and Former Elected Officials, et al. filed.
Jan 7 2016
Order further extending time to file response to petition to and including February 19, 2016.
An amicus brief was filed on December 21, 2015 by attorney Alan R. Friedman on behalf of Current and Former Elected Officials, et al.
List of Amici Curiae:
Jan Schakowsky is an incumbent member of the
United States House of Representatives from Illinois.
Danny Davis is an incumbent member of the United
States House of Representatives from Illinois.
Mike Quigley is an incumbent member of the United
States House of Representatives from Illinois.
Bobby Rush is an incumbent member of the United
States House of Representatives from Illinois.
Bob Barr is a former United States Attorney
and a former member of the United States House of
Representatives from Georgia.
William Lipinski is a former member of the United
States House of Representatives from Illinois.
David Phelps is a former member of the United States
House of Representatives from Illinois.
Glenn Poshard is a former member of the United
States House of Representatives from Illinois and a
former President of Southern Illinois University.
Emil Jones is a former President of the Illinois
Senate and a former member of the Illinois House of
Representatives.
Carol Ronen is a former member of the Illinois Senate.
Skip Saviano, is a former member of the Illinois House
of Representatives. He is the current Village President
of Elmwood Park
Margaret Blackshere is a former President of the
Illinois AFL-CIO.
Edward M. Smith is a former Vice-President of
Laborers’ International Union of North America, Midwest
Region.
From the brief:
“Summary of Argument
Amici urge the Court to grant the writ on the first
question presented by Petitioner in order to address an
issue of national importance. Although amici take no
position on Mr. Blagojevich’s innocence or guilt on any
of the counts of conviction, they submit that this Court’s
guidance is needed to distinguish the lawful solicitation of
campaign contributions from criminal violations of federal
extortion, bribery, and fraud laws. In McCormick v. United
States, the Court acknowledged that—given the system
of private political campaign financing that has existed in
the United States since the nation’s inception—political
candidates and incumbents alike cannot realistically avoid
soliciting campaign funds from the very constituents whose
interests they may later advance through the support of
specific legislation or other official acts. 500 U.S. 257, 272
(1991). As a result, McCormick held that extortion based
on soliciting campaign contributions requires a quid pro
quo in the form of an “explicit promise or undertaking”
by a public official to perform or not perform an official
act. However, the Court’s subsequent decision in Evans v.
United States, 504 U.S. 255 (1992), has blurred the relative
clarity of McCormick’s holding.
Circuit courts have since struggled to determine
whether and how Evans modified McCormick’s holding
regarding extortion under color of official right, bribery,
and fraud in the solicitation of campaign contributions.2
Confusion in the lower courts is problematic for lawabiding
politicians and donors who wish to avoid prohibited
conduct and threatens to discourage candidates and
their supporters from legitimate campaign solicitation
and donation activities. It is particularly important in
the campaign contribution context—where contributors
generally assume that the supported candidate’s election
will benefit the contributor’s interests—that brightline
standards exist to guide prosecutors and juries to
avoid selective enforcement against unpopular political
candidates or donors. In addition, the Circuit Courts are
split on whether Evans applies to campaign contributions,
and this Court’s guidance is needed to restore national
uniformity to this area of the law.
Amici respectfully submit that it is important to
the effective operation of the nation’s political system
that the Court clarify the legal standard to distinguish
between the necessary, legitimate solicitation of
campaign contributions, on the one hand, and unlawful
extortion, bribery, and fraud, on the other. The Court’s
consideration of this issue is needed to guide individual
political candidates and donors who wish to confidently
and lawfully engage in campaign financing activities.”
Roots of immigration mess beginning with Clinton Gore administration exposed by honest Democrat David Schippers, Ex… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…4 days ago
Roots of immigration mess beginning with Clinton Gore administration exposed by honest Democrat David Schippers, Ex… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…4 days ago
