4 Comments
Facebook
Fark
Digg
Reddit
StumblePublished Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 | 8:11 p.m.
Updated Sunday, Jan. 4, 2009 | 11:19 a.m.
Updated story: Reid fires back on Obama replacement appointees
WASHINGTON — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said this evening that Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is leaking and distorting a telephone conversation between the two to distract from accusations that the governor tried to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat.
A story in today’s Chicago Sun-Times reported that in the days before the governor’s arrest last month, Reid called Blagojevich to discuss potential appointees for the seat, suggesting some and rejecting others, including two sitting congressmen and a state senate leader Reid believes may not be able to retain the seat in a future election.
Reid’s office told the Sun-Times the call was routine, as Reid had contacted the governors in New York and Colorado where Senate seats are also open.
But Republicans have seized on the story to question Reid’s intent, as Republicans would prefer a special election believing they have a shot at winning the seat.
In a statement tonight, Reid said the governor “appears to be trying to distract attention from his daunting legal problems and damaged credibility by distorting information about private phone calls between himself and other public officials. It is regrettable and reprehensible.”
Blagojevich has refused to resign despite calls from Democratic Party leaders to do so, and last week snubbed party officials by appointing former Attorney General Roland Burris to the seat. Reid has said he will block Burris from being sworn in on Tuesday and Obama has said the appointment should not stand.
Reid tonight said Blagojevich’s behavior shows he is unfit for office.
“Gov. Blagojevich’s efforts to try to tarnish others while the cloud of suspicion continues to grow over him are shameful, as are his efforts to further betray the public trust and sow seeds of division," Reid said. "As each day passes it becomes increasingly clear that Gov. Blagojevich is not fit to lead, and he should resign.”
Harry, Harry, Harry
I sense a pattern here, nothing is ever your fault and everything you say gets distorted.
When I was six years old I tried that, but my Dad was smarter than a six year old and didn't buy it.
You have got to come to the reality that your job is Senate Majority leader not Cub Scout den leader.
Now I wasn't on the phone with you and Gov. Slobovich but oddly enough I believe him more than you.
You have done nothing short of throwing him in front of the bus and are refusing to seat Burris. When you are done are you going to take your ball and go home.
It's time we get a leader, you are the worlds best mis-leader but the time for bullcr@p is way gone.
You rail on Bush (Okay thats easy) but your approval rating is less than his and you act like that fact doesn't exist.
It's time for leadership not tokenship.
"Now I wasn't on the phone with you and Gov. Slobovich but oddly enough I believe him more than you."
Why believe the Governor? He's obviously a lying crook. It's not like there isn't evidence the Reid isn't involved. I have issues with Reid as well, but to lump him into this mess is silly. He has nothing to do with it.
Harry Reid is a racist and a cancer to America... He needs to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Harry Reid is nothing but a liar:
Judy Wallman, a professional genealogy researcher here in southern California, was doing some personal work on her own family tree. She discovered that Harry Reid's great-great uncle, Remus Reid, was hanged for horse stealing and train robbery in Montana in 1889. Both Judy and Harry Reid share this common ancestor.
On the back of the picture Judy obtained during her research is this inscription: 'Remus Reid, horse thief, sent to Montana Territorial Prison 1885, escaped 1887, robbed the Montana Flyer six times. Caught by Pinkerton detectives, convicted and hanged in 1889.'
So Judy recently e-mailed Congressman Harry Reid for information about their great-great uncle.
Believe it or not, Harry Reid's staff sent back the following biographical sketch for her genealogy research:
'Remus Reid was a famous cowboy in the Montana Territory. His business empire grew to include acquisition of valuable equestrian assets and intimate dealings with the Montana railroad. Beginning in 1883, he devoted several years of his life to government service, finally taking leave to resume his dealings with the railroad. In 1887, he was a key player in a vital investigation run by the renowned Pinkerton Detective Agency. In 1889, Remus passed away during an important civic function held in his honor when the platform upon which he was standing collapsed.'
So if he can lie about something so mundane, what else has he and his aides lied about?