Articles
By Bob Gorsky
Reprinted from “The Shield,” the official publication
of the Dallas Police Association
August 2009
ANOTHER BLAGO IN OUR MIDST?
Last December we all watched as the corruption charges against former Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich unfolded. Seemingly unphased by the allegations, Blagojevich publically denied the charges, refused to step down and insisted that he would be vindicated. The day before his arrest, Blagojevich publically dared investigators to record his conversations. As the story moved from arrest to impeachment to indictment, we saw the former governor making the cable TV and radio talk shows, vying for a spot on a reality TV show and even appearing as himself in the Second City’s “Rod Blogajevich” superstar, a parity of the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar.” While Blagojevich’s motivation might have been the need for attention and income, those of us who can’t get through the day without a taste of skepticism believe that a large part of his motivation was his desire to taint a future jury pool. When his trial begins in June 2010, Blagojevich wants to be perceived as a fighter, a self-deprecating guy and a likeable guy, who wouldn’t risk it all by engaging in corruption.
As the Dallas “City Hall” trial corruption begins in earnest, we find Don Hill taking a page from the “Blago” public relations playbook. Albeit lacking in national scope and without the self-deprecating humor, Mr. Hill has decided to risk violating the court’s imposed gag order by engaging in pre-trial television interviews, holding a candlelight vigil in front of the courthouse and what may be the riskiest and strangest PR tactic of them all, a trial website called “Don Hill trial” (donhilltrial.com). Laden with such catch phrases as “Your Source For Everything Don Hill,” “Who Is Don Hill”, “Don Hill The Man”, and “What’s Next with the ‘Hills’”. The site also includes the self-serving resumes of his lawyers, links to “support groups” and a “Prayer Circle” (2 prayers are posted, one by his media consultant). It was reported that his lawyers would offer daily briefings of the trial progress, but indications that Mr. and Mrs. Hill and their lawyers may be cited by the court (after the trial) for violating the court’s gag order might have nixed that strategy.
So what does Mr. Hill expect to gain from this public relations strategy? Possibilities include:
- Influence the jury, if they disregard the court’s instructions and read news of the trial or find their way to donhilltrial.com.
- Bait the judge into making a reversible error.
- Paint the picture of Mr. Hill as a victim of a racist and/or political prosecution.
- Help Mr. Hill launch a new career if he loses his law license after a conviction.
- Improve his image for his post-trial career, both legal and political, after an acquittal.
- Free advertisement for his attorneys.
Pick one or all of the above, but regardless of the motivation the strategy is a risky one. It may provide Mr. Hill with the “Hail Mary” pass that he may need for an acquittal. On the other hand, it may backfire as he tries to direct attention away from the slimy side of “pay to play” politics.
If it works, however, look out for Blago.com.
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Bob Gorsky is a partner at the Dallas law firm of Lyon, Gorsky, Haring & Gilbert, L.L.P., 3131 McKinney Avenue, Suite 100, Dallas, Texas 75204; 214/965-0090, website: lyongorsky.com or email Bob at bgorsky@LyonGorsky.com.
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