Despite plaintive pleas to Barbara Walters and compelling evidence presented to Geraldo Rivera and Larry King, Rod Blagojevich was impeached by all 59 Illinois state senators. Former Governor Blago was arrested for allegedly trying to sell President Obama’s U.S. Senate seat and likely faces federal charges.  “I have done absolutely nothing wrong,” were the words Mr. Blagojevich offered in his defense.  However, taped phone conversations indicate the great Blago said the seat was “golden,” and that “I’m just not giving it up for ______ nothing.” The Barometer has a quibble or two with theformer governor’s use of  term “absolutely” before “nothing wrong.”Â
Mayor Brent Warr, mayor of Gulfport, Mississippi, was charged with several federal felonies including filing false paperwork to repair Hurricane Katrina damage to their beach house. The feds only cover primary residences when it comes to hurricane damage. The mayor’s wife, Laura, was also charged with signing the false papers. The mayor denies the charges and also said that the charges have “nothing to do with his role as mayor.” The Barometer has a quibble or two with the choice of the word “nothing.”  Â
Antonia C. Novello, the former surgeon general of the United States, was named by former Governor George Pataki as new York state’s health commissioner in 1999. While the appointment as first seen as coup because of Dr. Novello’s high profile and experience, the relationship seems to have gone south. Ms. The inspector general has concluded an investigation and issued a report that indicates Dr. Novello may have had a bit of a heavy hand in dealing with the staff. State employees are alleged to have drive Dr. Novello to the airport, shopping malls, and numerous errands. Dr. Novello’s lawyer said, “That sounds highly unlikely and completely out of character. Saying it’s so doesn’t make it so.” The Barometer will go with “unlikely,” but once again draws a line on “completely.”Â