* A blast from the somewhat recent past…

“I’m prepared to take the responsibility with the partisan division on the committee to make sure that we move legislation that truly does reform state government. I’ll take on that responsibility. And I’ll take the credit or I’ll take the blame.”

That was House Speaker Michael Madigan back in early February promising to take the blame if he didn’t move legislation that “truly” reforms state government.

One wonders whether he’s still ready to take all the blame if everything crashes and burns this week.

* McCook Mayor Jeff Tobolski, who announced his campaign yesterday against Cook County Commissioner Tony Peraica…

“For too long residents have had to put up with an unresponsive government and an angry commissioner on the Cook County Board.”

* US Sen. Roland Burris…

“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, this is — this is — I mean this is. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I’m done.”

Yeah, you are. Go read the whole quote in context. It’d be hilarious if it wasn’t so infuriating.

* Douglas R. Roberts, a criminal-defense attorney from Beach Park, who is running for Lake County sheriff…

“The sheriff doesn’t arrest people.”

* Kane County Board Commissioner Barb Wojnicki appears to be in denial…

“People aren’t running against me; they are running for the seat.”

* Joe Wozniak, who is now in his fourth attempt at winning a DuPage County Board seat in 15 years, is an eternal optimist…

“I hope to do it this time.”

* The son of Rep. Art Turner on his own run for the Illinois House…

“I grew up in a political family. I grew up watching Dad.”

* Politically symbolic accomplishment of the week goes to Sen. Bill Brady for his gubernatorial nominating petitions…

“I’m proud to have collected signatures from every single county in this state.”

…Adding… Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich used his WLS program recently to call out Pat Quinn on the current governor’s pace at approving pardons and commutations…

“Hey Pat, ya big wimp. Call the show. Tell me I’m wrong. Am I wrong? Call me and tell me that. Don’t be afraid of me, Pat, Write me, tell me I’m wrong. But you know what? You won’t do it for two reasons. One, you are afraid of me. And number two, I’m right. That’s why you won’t call up.”

I’m so sure that Quinn is afraid of Blagojevich. Sheesh.

And, as Zorn has pointed out before, Blagojevich’s record on pardons and commutations was absolutely horrific.

Par for the course, I suppose.