Where there's a Will, there's a way

Governor Rod Blagojevich chose newly retired State Representative Kurt Granberg of Centralia to head the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Friday. I decided to look up his latest campaign fund disclosure report he filed since leaving office.

Granberg filed a report on Obama's Inauguration Day for the period that ended December 31. I didn't find any donations to or from Blagojevich but there were a few things that might get more attention now that he's asking for a new high profile job.

(Kurt Granberg)

In some cases, state law allows representatives to take personal payments from their campaign fund. Granberg took $50,000 for himself.

He appears to either be leasing or purchased a car with campaign funds. You'll see payments to Giuffre Buick and Volvo in Springfield for car related expenses, plus regular $424.35 monthly payments to Heartland Credit Union for "auto expense."

He also likes to buy "gifts for contributors and supporters" with campaign funds. He spent $400.00 at a New Orleans Art Gallery called Michalopoulos. Last July $624.95 went to a California Winery, Grgich Hills Cellar.

In the report from the previous filing period he spent $257.13 at Mason's Gallery in New Orleans for a gift, and he spent $350.00 at Pure Food Fish Market in Seattle buying gifts for Sam Mateer. I'm guessing some of these were door prizes for fundraisers but it's hard to tell.

There are many expenditures to hotels and restaurants, which is typical for campaign funds, including a "staff meeting" at Boone's Saloon. He's a member of the Sangamo Club and enjoys eating there often.

Since state pensions are based on your final rate of pay Granberg will get a nice increase after heading a state agency.

I doubt any of this is illegal but it's not the kind of report you want with all the bad news about Blagojevich. It may not be the example Pat Quinn wants to set when he becomes Governor. The appointment will be voted on by the Senate so I wouldn't be surprised if it's brought up by a Senator or reporter. I haven't seen any coverage of this yet but the Belleville News-Democrat has interesting background about problems with patronage hiring at DNR under Blagojevich.