Michael McGee Pleads Not Guilty, Nods and Winks

Picture Ald. Michael McGee Jr. standing at a podium wagging his finger at members of the press and saying this:

I want to say one thing to the people of Milwaukee. I want you to listen to me. I'm going to say this again. I did not shake down businesses or solicit bribes, with those constituents, of the 6th District. I never told anybody to kill or beat someone, or pay people five bucks to vote for me, not a single time – never. These allegations are false. And I need to go back to work for the people of the 6th District.

NOT GUILTY.

This morning, McGee formally declared he is not guilty of those NINE federal charges against him.

This followed his court appearance last week, when he entered a not guilty plea to each of TWELVE state charges, including SEVEN felonies -- "counts of lying to election officials, filing a false campaign report, election bribery, solicitation to commit a felony and conspiracy to commit battery."

In an arraignment that lasted about five minutes, McGee formally was told of the charges he faced. Through his attorney, public defender Calvin Malone, McGee entered a not guilty plea on each of the nine felony counts facing him: three counts of extortion, five bribery counts and one count related to a financial transaction.

Malone declined to comment on the indictment after the hearing.

In theory, McGee faces up to 115 years in prison if convicted of all counts, plus more than $1 million in fines. However, under federal sentencing guidelines, any sentence would likely be much shorter.

McGee's trial is scheduled for October 1.

His trial on the state charges has not been set.

Although 2007 isn't playing out too well for McGee, he's keeping his spirits up, drawing strength from his loyal supporters.

McGee did not speak during this morning's hearing, but as he entered and exited the courtroom he repeatedly nodded and winked at about a half-dozen supporters. One said, "Thank you, alderman," as McGee left. Another said: "Black love."

Thanks for what?

For abusing constituents?

For abusing his position of power?

For being a thug?

And what does "Black love" have to do with McGee and his multiple felony counts?

What a bizarre thing for a supporter to blurt out!

McGee isn't a victim of racism. Why don't his loyalists get that?

If McGee was being victimized because of his skin color, you know that Jesse Jackson would have made an appearance in Milwaukee by now. Al Sharpton would have packed his bullhorn, caught a plane to the city, and led rallies on the steps of the courthouse.