But What I Meant Was...

From the "And You Wonder Why People are Dubious Department":

The Democratic County Chairmen’s Association gave Gov. Rod Blagojevich $30,000 days before the March 21 primary, although Blagojevich had said he wouldn’t take its money...

However, Blagojevich told reporters in 2003 he wouldn’t take the organization’s money...

In the spring of 2003, when Blagojevich was championing ethics legislation, he was set to appear at a fundraiser for the chairmen’s organization in Springfield on a legislative day - when a fundraiser for himself would not be allowed.

He at first said he would do “what the law allows,” but then told reporters he hadn’t taken money from the group - which was incorrect - and also said he wouldn’t do so in the future.

“No. We don’t need it,” he said...

This March 6 - the same day Blagojevich appeared at Rochester High School to promote a plan to build roads and schools - he also spoke at an evening fundraiser at the Hilton Springfield for the county chairmen’s group. Eleven days later, he got the $30,000 donation.

Sheila Nix, Blagojevich campaign spokeswoman, said late Monday she did not know if the campaign would keep the money.

With everything going on these days, and with millions and millions of dollars in the bank, I don't get why they would even open themselves up to an issue like this.