Top Items:
Chicago Tribune:
Blagojevich fundraiser held by Jackson allies Saturday — As Gov. Rod Blagojevich was trying to pick Illinois' next U.S. senator, businessmen with ties to both the governor and U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. discussed raising at least $1 million for Blagojevich's campaign as a way to encourage …
Discussion:
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Eli Saslow / Washington Post:
Obama Worked to Distance Self From Blagojevich Early On — Like every other politician in Illinois, Gov. Rod Blagojevich waited for Barack Obama's call this summer. He told colleagues that he expected a speaking role at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, a nice bit of payback …
Chicago Breaking News:
Madigan asks court: Remove Blagojevich — Atty. General Lisa Madigan called on the Illinois Supreme Court today to temporarily remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office and appoint Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn as acting governor, “so the business of the state of Illinois can go forward.”
Chicago Tribune:
Sam Zell's financial adviser at Tribune Co. was middleman sought by Blagojevich
Sam Zell's financial adviser at Tribune Co. was middleman sought by Blagojevich
Discussion:
Michael Calderone's Blogs
Eugene Robinson / Washington Post:
A Playbook to Change — In handling questions about the arrest …
A Playbook to Change — In handling questions about the arrest …
Discussion:
Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, Real Clear Politics, Associated Press, The Note and Commentary
Carrie Budoff Brown / The Politico:
Rendell slams Obama over Blago — Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell today criticized Barack Obama for not being more upfront about the Illinois corruption scandal. — Now, he said, the story will continue to dominate the media's attention. — “They have never been in an executive position before …
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Matthew Jaffe / ABCNEWS:
Emanuel: I'm Getting Death Threats Over Blagojevich Scandal — Obama's Chief of Staff Refuses to Go to Work Because of Media Stakeout — The President-elect's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel, said today he won't go to the Chicago Presidential transition offices in order to avoid reporters seeking …
Ed Morrissey / Hot Air:
Contact: Emanuel spoke with Blago “on multiple occasions” about Senate seat — The attempt by President-elect Barack Obama to distance himself from the scandal erupting in Illinois took a big hit last night with this exclusive report from Chicago's Fox affiliate.
Steve Benen / Washington Monthly:
‘THE PARTY OF HERBERT HOOVER’.... On Wednesday, Dick Cheney met with Senate Republicans and emphasized the importance of keeping the American automotive industry afloat. “If we don't do this, we will be known as the party of Herbert Hoover forever,” the vice president said.
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Micheline Maynard / New York Times:
U.A.W. at Center of Dispute Over Bailout — DETROIT — Opponents of a Congressional bailout for Detroit auto companies and the United Automobile Workers union traded charges Friday over who was responsible for the defeat of legislation that would have provided temporary financing until the automakers restructured.
White House:
Statement by Press Secretary Dana Perino — It is disappointing that while appropriate and effective legislation to assist and restructure troubled automakers received majority support in both houses, Congress nevertheless failed to pass final legislation. The approach in that legislation provided …
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Todd S. Purdum / New York Times:
Robin Toner, Times Reporter, Is Dead — Robin Toner, who was the first woman to be the national political correspondent of The New York Times and who had a significant hand in the coverage of five presidential elections, innumerable Congressional and gubernatorial campaigns …
Wall Street Journal:
Top Broker Accused of $50 Billion Fraud — Sons Turned In Madoff After He Allegedly Told Them His Investment-Advisory Business for the Wealthy Was ‘Giant Ponzi Scheme’ — Bernard L. Madoff, a former chairman of the Nasdaq Stock Market and a force in Wall Street trading for nearly 50 years …
Discussion:
Moonbattery, TPMMuckraker, Bloomberg, naked capitalism, Boing Boing, Pajamas Media and The Swamp
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Eric Kleefeld / TPM Election Central:
Franken Gets Big Win At Canvass Board — Al Franken's chances of winning the Minnesota recount may have just gone up astronomically. — The state canvassing board just voted unanimously that absentee ballots that were initially rejected because of clerical errors — and the current estimate …
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Amanda Terkel / Think Progress:
Powell lashes out at Palin: I'm from the South Bronx, 'and there's nothing wrong with my value system.' — In an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria that will air this weekend, former Secretary of State Colin Powell sharply criticized the Republican party and its “value system,” taking particular aim at Gov. Sarah Palin (R-AK):
Charles Krauthammer / Washington Post:
The Real Obama — Barack Obama has garnered praise from center to right — and has highly irritated the left — with the centrism of his major appointments. Because Obama's own beliefs remain largely opaque, his appointments have led to the conclusion that he intends to govern from the center.
Joseph Stiglitz / Financial Times:
Chapter 11 is the right road for US carmakers — The debate about whether or not to bail out the Big Three carmakers has been mischaracterised. It has been described as a package to help the undeserving dinosaurs of Detroit. In fact, a plan to bail out the carmakers would benefit shareholders …
Discussion:
Firedoglake
myfoxtwincities.com:
Exclusive: Norm Coleman's Renovation Project Coincides with Financial Lawsuit — ST. PAUL (FOX 9) — The timing and cost of Sen. Norm Coleman's home renovation has again raised questions about allegations that an Edina, Minn. businessman funneled money to Norm Coleman's wife Laurie.