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The Daily Herald took the corruption route in its coverage today.
With the political pal once accused of trading state jobs for campaign cash and the father-in-law who made, then retracted, those allegations sitting in the crowd, Gov. Rod Blagojevich was sworn in for a second term Monday, never mentioning the ethical questions that continue to dog him.
Instead, Blagojevich used his 20-minute inaugural address to tout past successes such as expanded I-PASS use on the tollway and make the case for providing every Illinois resident with health insurance. […]
His aides maintain county, state and federal investigations into his administration have not and will not be a distraction, pointing to the governor’s re-election, making him the first Democrat to win a second term in the office since Otto Kerner in 1964.
The governor made healthcare his top priority for a second term.
Even some Republican critics gave Blagojevich points for opening debate on one of today’s most difficult policy issues. “Health care for Illinoisans is something on everybody’s mind,” said House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego. “I give him credit for bringing up an issue that needs discussion.”
But Blagojevich offered no details on how the program would be funded, saying he would lay out a plan in detail in coming months. Because he also vowed to continue opposing any general tax increase, the issue of how the cash-strapped state will fund such an ambitious program is likely to be the first and hardest question from critics.
But, as noted above, he avoided talking about ethics reform.
His decision to avoid talk about ethics reform was highlighted when Giannoulias, Hynes and White all mentioned their efforts to clean up government corruption in their inaugural speeches.
“I feel he should have addressed it head on,” said Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville.
And…
Notably absent from the governor’s address was any discussion of ethics, unlike his first inaugural when he noted his election represented a desire for change following the scandal-tarnished years of his predecessor, George Ryan.
Four years ago, Blagojevich declared he would “govern as a reformer.”
The event was far from well attended.
The convention center was far from full, symbolizing how the event was at a vastly restrained level compared to the celebration that marked Blagojevich’s initial inaugural, when he became the first Democrat in decades to become governor.“I didn’t anticipate it would be this empty,” Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), a frequent Blagojevich critic, said as he looked over the arena.
And the Sun-Times had a classic quote from Mike Madigan.
“Remember that old saying by Will Rogers? . . . He said that ‘I’m not a member of an organized party. I’m a Democrat,’ ” House Speaker Michael J. Madigan told reporters. “Democrats like to be Democrats. And Democrats by instinct don’t like to come together.'’
The governor wasn’t taking questions yesterday.
Meanwhile, back at the Executive Mansion, Blagojevich spokesman Gerardo Cardenas said the governor would not be answering any questions from the press. To ensure that this was the case, no reporters were allowed in the room where the governor was shaking hands with well-wishers. Television cameras, however, were willingly accommodated by the governor and his staff.
Audio of inaugural speeches:
* Attorney General Lisa Madigan
I’ll post some photos later today.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Jan 9, 07 @ 5:27 am
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Why didn’t the Governor want to take questions on his inauguration day? I bet it was because he didn’t want to get caught with that ‘deer in the headlights look’ when asked about all of the federal investigations. Since he purposely omitted talking about ethics in his speech, I wonder if it is no longer a top priority.
Also, there were several state (political appointed) employees noticeably absent from work on Monday – oh I forgot they were paid to volunteer at the inauguration. What a joke – they probably did more work at the inauguration then they do at their j-o-b.
Comment by state worker #1 Tuesday, Jan 9, 07 @ 6:31 am
I saw some clips on tv showing all the empty seats. It looked to me like alot of people don’t want to be asssociated with the governor anymore. The press coverage seem to talk more about what the governor did not say, then what he said. Pretty gloomy for a new beginning.
Comment by I can't believe we did it again Tuesday, Jan 9, 07 @ 7:21 am
Does this sound like a chapter from the Bill Clinton book on how to destroy your state?
Comment by south of I-80 Tuesday, Jan 9, 07 @ 8:15 am
More arrogance from Blagojevich. Now he’s refusing to meet with the media and answer questions? I hope that the media runs with its own stories and conclusions, without giving Blagojevich an opportunity to present his point of view.
Comment by Squideshi Tuesday, Jan 9, 07 @ 8:47 am
I thought I read in one of the inaugural-coverage stories that Blago’s peeps have already asked for a several-week delay in the date that the Gov must present his budget proposal to the Gen Assembly … kinda reminiscent of first year of his first term. Rich, other astute observers — do you know anything more about that?
Comment by Anani Mouse Tuesday, Jan 9, 07 @ 9:24 am
Blagojech’s budget address gets delayed only if the bill authorizing the state to sell Madden Mental Health Center to Loyola is passed into law.
Comment by Squideshi Tuesday, Jan 9, 07 @ 11:25 am
when did he last take questions from the media?
anyone
Comment by howard Tuesday, Jan 9, 07 @ 3:28 pm
Honest Otto Kerner.
Yup, Blagojevich is walking in this old ex-con’s shoes, isn’t he?
Uh, no questions from your reporters please.
Thats probably why your photo of Rod-ent has him scurrying away from your camera phone.
Honest Otto. Honest Rod. Yup.
You know what is even funnier? Blagojevich’s view of government is so similar to Kerner’s Nanny-State view it is like he could be Otto’s political Mini-Me. Its just that when Otto was touting social giveaways with our money, we didn’t know what a loser Socialism was back then. Now we do, and Rod is still pushing it?
Next we’re going to find Otto’s old Elvis record collection. Hey, maybe Rod-ent is really 90 years old? His knowledge sure is!
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Jan 9, 07 @ 4:03 pm
VanillaMan -
You always come up with great observations and comments which I enjoy very much. But this time I have to question you one on thing you posted. Are you sure about Rod-ent have any knowledge about anything? He seems very fuzzy on everything except how to plaster his name all over the state.
Comment by Papa Legba Tuesday, Jan 9, 07 @ 5:36 pm