Every politician is guilty of the following Federal crime, potentially

[redstate_democrat]

Candidates who promise to appoint someone in exchange for their support commits a crime
18 U.S.C. 599 Promise of appointment by a candidate

"Whoever, being a candidate, directly or indirectly promises or pledges the appointment, or the use of his influence or support for the appointment of any person to any public or private position or employment, for the purpose of procuring support in his candidacy shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than one year, or both; and if the violation was willful, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both."

[Critters2]

1. It's when politicians start setting prices that it really becomes a problem. nt

[redstate_democrat]

That fact just tacks on an additional charge, is all.

[DJ13]

2. Yep, and they should be prosecuted when they do it

Allowing that crap just perpetuates the "good old boys network" thats at the heart of all our country's problems.

[genna]

3. Great observation.

Reply #1 What does money have to do with it?


Anyone know the legislative history or the specific problem they were trying to overcome.

[Political Heretic]

4. I agree. That doesn't mean we should start letting people go.

Just because Bago got caught and other people aren't means we need to talk about why other people aren't getting caught, not act like that's some sort if excuse for Bago to get away with it.

[redstate_democrat]

5. I don't want Blago to get away with it. I want him to go down, actually

I just think that with regard to the others mentioned in his complaint, the media is dragging these people's names through the mud with zero evidence to back it up.

Rahm Emanuel - NY Post is smearing him

Jessie Jackson Jr. - MSM is all over it

Valerie Jarrett- I don't know if they've started on her yet

and others, who seem to be connected only to Obama. They will use Blago's words as a launching pad to try to implicate Obama's people and maybe even Obama himself When I say "they", I mean the Republicans. Check out what the RNC is saying. Check out Wingnut Cantor's statements. They are gearing up to start some shit based solely on what Blago said while on tape. Seems pretty thin to me but Duers here are ready to oblige.

[Political Heretic]

6. Agreed.

[TexasObserver]

7. It's widely done, but getting caught doing it is always a problem.

If the quotes attributed to the governor are true and admissible, he's set a record for excessive candor and unnecessary specificity.

[jberryhill]

8. Most candidates are expressly aware of this statute

...which is why it comes up every time during a campaign when some genius says, "If he promised to appoint X as Y, then that would be a good move."

No, they don't make these kinds of promises for the purpose of procuring support for their candidacy.

[redstate_democrat]

9. LOL!

[sandnsea]

10. Not explicitly, no they don't

But most certainly the topic of "the future" comes up. They usually know how to discuss their political and personal goals without having it be a blatant quid pro quo.

[jberryhill]

11. Well then you are off into another area entirely....

Some of the quotes from Blago, for example, could be seen as his "too explicit" suggestion that there should be some kind of consideration in exchange for the appointment, and not necessarily monetary.

Sure, someone might make an appointment or suggest whom they might "consider" for various appointments, and there sure may be an unspoken suggestion that gratitude might take many forms.

The Blago situation strikes me as some guy getting caught soliciting for prostitution, while being mystified by why a person who gives his or her partner a highly desired gift might receive a particular form of gratitude. Is the difference one of criminal intent, or simple lack of social propriety?

[sandnsea]

12. I haven't read the case

Since there are other charges against him, I highly doubt it's just a matter of social impropriety though. It seems if it were that simple, he could have maneuvered in a more subtle manner. It looks as if he doesn't do anything without an absolute guarantee of financial gain. That isn't the same as the more routine, "I'd like to move in another direction with my career" and "I'll keep that in mind" that goes on all the time in business, and politics.

[jberryhill]

14. I agree there is more meat to this thing than a lack of etiquette

...my comments were directed to the dramatic quotes that get the most airplay.

In context of the various other allegations, it seems this guy was a walking carnival of how not to wield power.

Solicitation of prostitution is still solicitation of prostitution, whether or not the individual concerned understands the moral basis of social norms. Blago seems so blatant about it, that there's a sense of he just doesn't "get it".

[whippo]

13. The democratic process is often messy. Diverse constituencies fight fiercely for their prioritie

"Their elected representatives use the influence they have to meet those needs, including sometimes the exchange of favors - consideration for jobs being just one.

When a congressman responds to the president’s request for support for a judicial nominee or a trade deal by replying that he’d like the president’s backing for a new bridge in his district, he’s fighting for his constituents. If the money for that bridge is approved over a worthier project elsewhere, should the deal between the two officials become a crime?"