Alan Greenblatt is a GOVERNING correspondent.
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Takes One to Know One
You may be familiar with the ongoing investigation into hiring practices in Illinois. Members of the Blagojevich administration are accused of improperly letting political considerations sway their staffing picks.
Judge Andrew C. Barris, who had been presiding over the case, has recused himself. Not only was he a Blagojevich appointee, but it turned out that before he got the job his name had been on the list of applicants with political sponsors. Oops.
Oh, and his dad's law firm gave $13,000 to Rod Blagovich's campaign.
"I don't know why he's recusing himself in this case," said Carl Draper, attorney for the defense.
P.S. Fans of Illinois and Chicago corruptions investigations will want to know that Ed Vrdolyak, the scourge of ex-mayor Harold Washington on the Chicago Board of Aldermen, is under federal investigation, according to the Sun-Times.
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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