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* 11:17 AM - I told subscribers this morning that AG Madigan was likely to head to the Supreme Court today. Well, it’s on…
Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan filed a motion with the Illinois Supreme Court today aimed at removing Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office. […]
In the motion, Madigan argues that given the nature and severity of the allegations against Blagojevich, the Supreme Court should stop the governor from performing his duties. She asks the court to allow Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn to temporarily assume those duties under the Governor Succession Act in state law.
The motion specifically asks the high court to prevent Blagojevich from selecting a successor for the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.
Such a motion is untested in the state’s history. The case could determine whether the governor is fit to serve.
She’s about to hold a press conference. Stand by…
* From a Better Government Association press release…
However, the Attorney General’s bold action should not be used as an excuse by anyone in the General Assembly to hold back on impeachment proceedings. Standing by idly while our state’s future teeters in the balance is completely unacceptable. Impeachment is a separate process than the action filed by the Attorney General and both can move forward at the same time.
Failure to act is tantamount to failing to protect our state and its citizens. The Attorney General has acted, we demand the General Assembly exercise its impeachment power as soon as possible.
* 11:51 AM - We learned yesterday of this action. From a press release…
Today four Illinois citizens filed suit with the Illinois State Supreme Court to have Governor Rod Blagojevich temporarily removed from office in light of the recent charges filed against him for bribery and conspiracy, citing his inability to effectively run the state.
“At this time the governor can still appoint someone to the Senate, can still sign legislation in return for donations to his legal fund and most importantly, he still controls the $56 billion state budget at a crucial time for our state and economy,” John Bambenek, plaintiff and co-founder of the Illinois Citizens Coalition, said.
The four plaintiffs, Bambenek, Adam Andrzejewski, founder of ForTheGoodOfIllinois.org, and private citizens John Tillman and Michael Burns, cite their reason for filing as frustration with the lack of action from state leadership in the removal of the governor from office.
*** 11:53 AM *** CBS2 is doing live updates on its website…
The attorney general asked the court for a temporary restraining order or an injunction that prevents Blagojevich from serving as governor. The filing says he is “unable to serve as governor due to disability and should not rightfully continue to hold that office.”
“The pervasive nature and severity of these pending charges disable Mr. Blagojevich from making effective decisions on critical, time-sensitive issues,” the filing said.
The filing asks that the lieutenant governor assume Blagojevich’s powers.
It is the first time in Illinois history that such an action was taken. The attorney general is applying a rule that was intended to cover cases where a governor is incapacitated for health reasons. Her motion indicates that his inability to serve because of the scandal is akin to a debilitating health issue.
“I recognize that this is an extraordinary request, but these are extraordinary circumstances,” Madigan said. “As we learned on Tuesday morning, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald arrested Governor Blagojevich at his home and charged him with criminal conduct that Fitzgerald describes as a political corruption crime spree,” Madigan said at a news conference at the Thompson Center.
Madigan said Blagojevich had lost all his legitimacy to act as chief executive.
“As governor, Mr. Blagojevich’s duty is to do what is best of the people of the State of Illinois, not for himself,” Madigan said. “In light of his arrest and the filing of the criminal complaint, Governor Blagojevich can no longer serve and fulfill his duties with any legitimacy.”
The state Supreme Court has discretion about whether to hear the case, Madigan said. She added that while she encourages state lawmakers to “move forward with impeachment proceedings, the impeachment proceedings will take time.”
* 12:17 PM - From the AP…
In the filing, Madigan contends Blagojevich is unable to distinguish between his financial interest and his official duties and between legal conduct and illegal acts.
* This is the private citizen complaint mentioned above…
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:18 am
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And a Tribune story links fundraisers for Rep. Jackson as talking about raising $$ for the Governor in exhcange for Senate seat. The hits just keep on coming!
Comment by Captain Flume Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:20 am
Sounds like responsible parties are punting. The GA needs to take the lead.
Comment by tubbfan Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:24 am
Could someone ask Lisa to please talk to her father? It looks like a family game when she’s moving with all deliberate speed to remove Blago while at the same time her father, the Speaker of the House, sits on his hands, doing his usual Machiavellian calculations. Why are the Republicans in the House leading the impeachment drive? Where’s the Democratic leadership?
Comment by Upstate Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:24 am
This is a bizarre tactic. Very disappointing.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:25 am
== Where’s the Democratic leadership? == That’s question I have ben asking for 6 years!
Comment by Captain Flume Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:26 am
Hoo Ray! Finally someone with someone with Testicular Velocity.
Rod shouldn’t be permitted to continue be Governor after today.
He should have been impeached long ago.
Comment by Northside Bunker Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:26 am
Don’t you think it would just take too long if the GA were to do the impeachment process? The Ill. Supremes could get this done much, much quicker.
Comment by Deep South Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:27 am
Where is MJM and Jones/Cullerton in all this? Is this the moment MJM has been waiting for? Will they say nothing until Monday?
Comment by Macbeth Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:27 am
WGN News has a live video feed. The press conference has not begun yet.
Comment by FYI Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:31 am
Why hasn’t anyone asked Giannoulias what the quid pro quo his father expected after he gave Blago $10,000 just before Alexi announced his candidacy for State Treasurer. http://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignD…
These people all supported him in the primary, as well, when they had a viable alternative. AND they supported Blago after Fitzgerald had said that his administration was ripe with endemic hiring fraud and pay to play on steroids.
Comment by Disgusted Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:32 am
The courts should appoint Quinn to replace Blago temporarily until impeachment can be determined. If the legislature fails to impeach, the court should re-instate the Governor. There is no way Blago can govern this state now.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:32 am
Here’s the live link to the presser
http://www.nbcchicago.com/live/?aid=36051119&vid=30914249
Comment by Commonsense in Illinois Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:33 am
Someone needs to ask LM why she filed this morning, prior to the special session. Looks like a self-serving tactic, with an assist from her father.
Comment by The Doc Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:33 am
Well if the Supremes say no, MJM/Jones/Cullerton better be prepared pick up the ball. I’m sure we’ll hear from them by Monday, if not sooner.
Comment by Deep South Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:33 am
Michael Madigan fretting about the time it takes to move impeachment forward seems insincere.
Isn’t the guy famous for moving stuff as fast or slow as humanly possible? MJM knows how to control the clock.
The “it’ll take too long” thing is a bogus excuse.
Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:33 am
I see this as a temporary move to keep Blago from jumping the gun on the appointment, let Quinn name a replacement, (no chance for Republican’s to name a candidate in an election) and then let Daddy Madigan permanently remove Blago on Monday.
Comment by TimB Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:33 am
I was out yestrday so did not check into the postings here, but Rich, was this addressed? If not, it’s flying all over the web lke the bird flu..
“Is Emanuel the adviser on gov tape?” http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1326788,rahm-emanuel-blagojevich-obama-121108.article
Comment by Elated Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:35 am
A grandstanding, headline-grabbing tactic with no chance of working. This is Lisa trying to argue that she was at the vangaurd of getting rid of this guy instead of at the tail-end which is were she is, the tail-end with a dead-end legal manuveur. The plan is to make Blago’s life so miserable that he caves before any of these stunts and lofty promises to clean things up actually come to a head. No chance, NO CHANCE, the Dems in charge let the people pick Obama’s successor.
Comment by cousin ralph Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:36 am
Darn. I was hoping she was investigating what happened to the missing rat sign outside Rod’s house, per the Sun-Times…
Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:36 am
Next week the General Assembly will take up the issue of impeachment. Remember this impeachment process takes time. Given these circumstances I see a dual approach to removing Blago. Impeachment by the General Assembly and the Attorney Generals legal action.
Also, note there is no guarantee that the Supreme Court will go along with the Attorney Generals request. It seems to me after reading all these entries on this blog, that no matter what the Speaker or Attorney General do they are criticized.
Lets have some patience and let this process unfold.
Comment by MOON Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:37 am
She is possibly hurting the case for impeachment. If the Supreme Court says that he is not unable to serve, it becomes that much harder for the GA to say that he is.
Looks to me like she is more interested in getting the credit than she is in getting the Guv removed.
Comment by Bad move Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:37 am
The Supremes will not touch this issue.
Comment by tubbfan Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:38 am
If i am correct the power to appoint is constitutional? If that is so then how can a regular bill of the legislature remove that power?
Comment by Lazy Intern Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:38 am
This action before the Court will take longer than an impeachment hearing and trial in the legislature. Does the AG really think that there will be a one hour hearing and then a ruling by the Supremes? This is a BAD precedent to set, what happens when the next person may actually be innocent?
Comment by ivoted4judy Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:39 am
Letting Lisa take the lead gives her the kind of exposure money can’t buy, plus sets up the possibility of Quinn appointing Lisa to the seat, which allows Comptroller-for-Life Hynes to run for AG next time…thus eliminating 2 of the 3 likely primary opponents Quinn could face in two years.
Not saying at all it’s a quid pro quo between Lisa and Quinn…but it all sure would fall into place nicely for Pat, and Lisa, and Dan.
Comment by Hawkeye Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:40 am
I agree the Supremes will punt this back to the General Assembly. They will likely say the law was intended to cover the physical/mental incapacity of the governor (such as being in a coma or something) and will avoid taking the political football here. If there is a way out, and I just outlined one, they will take it.
Comment by Ron Burgundy Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:41 am
Rod will do the honorable thing for Illinois and resign later today.
Yeah, right.
Comment by I Can Hope Can't I Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:42 am
I have grave doubt that the Illinois Supreme Court will intervene to remove a Governor based on mere allegations of criminal activity, no matter how sever, especially with criminal charges pending that could be affected by their action.
The Attorney General is essentially asking the Court to engage in a coup d’etat for the good of the State. But impeachment by the people’s elected representatives assembled as the legislature is the available traditional rememdy (since recall does not exist in Illinois).
I think the Supremes will punt it back to the legislature to hold hearings and trial. If MJM says its too slow, he has ways of speeding it up.
Comment by Bubs Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:43 am
So does MM hope LM will protect him from having to act, or does he figure this will “force his hand” and give him cover when he acts on Monday, with a heavy heart?
I agree, that the Court ought to respond that the governor being indicted and generally disliked is not the same as being in a coma.
Comment by Mgmax Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:45 am
What a bunch of venal losers our General Assembly is composed of. They are just as disqualified to serve us as Madigan purportedly says Blagojevich is disqualified.
What a bunch of crappy legislators we have!
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:47 am
Crains just reported that John Harris has resigned. Not sure if anyone else has seen anything elsewhere.
Comment by Downers Delight Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:48 am
Well, it seems like kind of a gamble. If the court does nothing, or fails to remove him, will that strengthen his resolve to stay on. And if he does, will she be a heroine or appear inept or self serving.
Like others, I’ve been reading that Emmanuel allegedly had conversations with Blago about the Senate seat.I wonder if they were recorded. Will Emmanuel emerge as a hero or a knave when the content of those conversations is known.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:48 am
The simple answer from the court: “The question presented to the court is neither medical or legal, but criminal. The normal avenue for dealing with criminal behavior by the governor is impeachment. Madame Attorney General, you have provided no compelling reason for this Court to preempt the General Assembly on this matter.”
Comment by Carl Nyberg Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:49 am
The ILSCt won’t touch this. Truth is, unless the governor resigns, we’re stuck with him awhile. It will take some time for the political maneuvering to put things in place before they move ahead with impeachment.
Comment by Fan of the Game Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:50 am
===I have grave doubt that the Illinois Supreme Court will intervene===
You have to remember that all of these Supremes were elected to their position. They all have political ties. Not to say they wouldn’t try to review this without prejudice, but they are human and they know how to read the papers and watch the news. They understand the gravity of this case. I think they will act quickly, one way or another.
Comment by Been There Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 11:51 am
Where does Michael Madigan stand in all of this? What’s he up to? Don’t the citizens of Illinois deserve more than his murky statement from Tuesday? Dare anybody ask his Speakership to comment further? And then we wonder why Illinois is so corrupt…
Comment by uncle underhill Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:00 pm
The Supremes should turn LM down. The General Assembly needs to have a chance to do its job.
Comment by Crafty Girl Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:00 pm
LM is hanging her hat on the fact that the governor can not perform his duties since he lacks legitimacy.
Comment by Lazy Intern Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:02 pm
Two questions not addressed at the press conference:
1) The pleading that the AG filed included the criminal allegations contained in the criminal complaint. Those allegations have been alledged but not proven in court and are subject to a rebuttal by defense in trial. So what is the status of those allegations as evidence in this matter? How does the Supreme Court deal with those allegations?
2) If the Governor chooses opts for a defense in this motion who represents him? This matter relates to his official capacity and shouldn’t state attorneys represent him in his defense, and doesn’t that responsibility fall to the AG?
Comment by Scooby Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:03 pm
Never thought I’d defend the Speaker but I recall both the impeachment of Justice Heiple and the Bill Curtis / Richard Speck spectacle. In both cases many members of the General Assembly grandstanded like crazy for the press and dragged the “proceedings” on forever. I can only imagine what kind of circus MJM would have to manage in the Governor’s impeachment case. So while it SHOULD be short and sweet, it likely will not.
Comment by I knew it before term one Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:03 pm
I respectfully disagree that this is a futile, PR event by the AG. She is taking rightful action, perhaps even a smart 1-2 punch, preceding an inevitable impeachment proceeding next week. Timing is an issue for the impeachment process, but it should and will likely move forward. The inherent danger to the state is that Rod would still be acting as Governor until the impeachment process runs its course. Senator Rutherford’s comments earlier this week, that Blagojevich’s ability to lead is “zero” is accurate. If LM is successful, the Supreme Court can apply legal chemotherapy to remove the cancer from power until the GA removes him from office. If LM loses, the impeachment process still continues in the absence of a medical/physical argument that, frankly, the GA doesn’t need anyway.
She is demonstrating leadership, whether she’s successful or not. We should be applauding leadership from our executive branch right now, not armchair quarterbacking the effort. I’m not a democrat or, for that matter a supporter of hers, but I applaud her leadership right now.
Comment by Dznuts Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:05 pm
Is Madigan’s filing available yet? Anyone have a link?
Comment by B Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:07 pm
This move by Madigan is nothing more than a cheap political stunt… hopefully the Court sees through it and does the right thing and allows the legislature to handle this the proper way.
Comment by Nero Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:07 pm
This is awful, a ridiculous political stunt when what is needed is sober and earnest leadership. And they drag old Abner Mikva into this (I hope he’s not being paid).
The governor was duly elected, has not been indicted and is innocent until proven guilty. His “legitimacy” is clear. The Constitutional remedy to keep him from doing more harm is impeachment.
Many have been saying that MJM should get points for standing up to Blago when others were playing ball. He should and does, in my book. But all that goodwill is eroding.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:08 pm
Gov’s office just announced Harris resignation
Comment by B Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:09 pm
This stunt betrays Lisa Madigan’s lack of respect for the integrity, independence and nonpartisan role of our Courts. The Supreme Court is not a playground to grab headlines. The Constitution specifically addresses what branch of government shall undertake removal of a sitting governor for malfeasence or misfeasence. Hint to LM, it is not the judiciary. Read the headnotes to SCtRule 382 and former Rule 9 of the Rules of the United States Supreme Court after which this rule was patterned. It is clear that this proceeding is not brought in good faith. This is gamesmenship and not legitimate litigation.
Comment by Black Robe Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:10 pm
Ron Burgundy is spot on. The Supreme Court rule is inapplicable to the present situation. More grandstanding by Little Lisa.
Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:10 pm
If this isn’t a case of a guy not being able to serve I don’t know what is? The Court has to honor this request. Besides the law is vague enough to allow this, so it will be done. After all they have to be elected too.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:11 pm
Why would Lisa have the need to jump in front of the General Assembly? There meeting next week. Does she run the house or her dad or both! She did this because Lisa and MJM only concern is moving whom ever gets in their way to position Lisa to be governor. Lisa Madigan, like JJJ, actions are motivated by self interest not the general public. The public is demanding that Blago resign and I think that will happen soon.
And how MJM and his friend Cullerton are acting now is no surprise. Mr. Cullerton was all over the news talking about wanting change before this happened and things would be different with him. Other legislators have come forth he the a leader next year now he’s quiet as a mouse. Where is he on this? Seems like more the same to me.
Comment by anon71st Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:11 pm
So Harris has resigned. Geez, I wonder what the Governor’s office staff is doing now??? Some may be throwing confetti, but I sure hope none of them believe that they are somehow “in charge” of things.
Comment by Captain Flume Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:13 pm
Keep your eye on the ball.
This entire game is about who is going to be gov in 2010.
This whole thing with the court is a delaying tactic to give the GA cover for not doing anything.
What does Lisa really want?
She wants the special election date all drawn out so that by the time people have to throw their hats in, they also don’t have to look like fools by circulationg petitions for gov.
Now that the black candidate is out, all she has to do is worry about the incumbent. The incumbent had/has a chance if a viable black steps in.
There is an issue whether he has even committed a federal crime.
Even if he has, will they be able to get 12 jurors to unanimously agree.
A quick trip to any jury assembly room in Cook County is not going to be encouraging to those who think this is an open and shut case.
If Blago keeps the high powered attorneys out of it and instead hires just a run of the mill guy trying to make a buck on 11th Street, he can beat this easy.
That was the problem with Ryan. He hired the high powered attorneys who made a circus out of it.
Just imagine, the lawyers couldn’t even get him off a charge of having his employees sell tickets to his campaign fund raisers. Something that’s done in every city council race in the U.S.
Comment by True Observer Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:15 pm
Memo to the Madigans: we’re in this bleeping mess because too many pols put their self interest ahead of the public’s interest. Every day the Speaker delays gives reasonable people the right to suspect he is attempting to use this for some personal advantage. I do not believe that to be the case, but clearly that conclusion could be reached by many following this.
The public wants the Governor removed from office. That process need not take months, and should begin Monday. If not, then the Speaker better offer a strong rationale for blowing off the desire of the overwhelming majority of Illinois citizens or he risks major blowback on him and his daughter.
Comment by 47th Ward Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:15 pm
11th Street, South California, same difference.
Comment by True Observer Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:21 pm
This week has revealed to us just how corrupt, lazy, venal and spineless Illinois government officials are.
For five years, after Dick Mell’s report of Kelly and his son-in-law’s selling of appointments, we’ve had hundreds of government officals, legislators and the Republican party sitting on their hands, or getting their hands on our money instead of exposing Rod Blagojevich for who they knew he was.
Legal standards be damned! What ever happened to standing up for what’s right? We don’t elect these people to just sit there and cope with the corruption around them. No one took a stand and drove these rats from office. They even got behind him during his re-election. Who are these chumps?
How could anyone defend Blagojevich after 2004? How could any newspaper endorse him? How could any union leader play along with someone so obviously corrupt without retching?
Rod Blagojevich is an idiot. Always was. The moment another one of our power players knew this should have been the moment it should have been officially revealed. He should have been impeached before his first term was finished.
The whole charade of Lisa Madigan using court procedures to remove Rod Blagojevich is an embarrassment to those of us who look to our elected officials to do their jobs and impeach him.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:24 pm
To Lazy Intern at 11:38: From the 17th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:
“When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of each State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.”
Comment by Its Just Me Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:25 pm
To paraphrase Malcolm X, Governor Pinocchio, should be removed from office ASAP by any means necessary.
Sometimes there is an inevitable conflict between “doing the right thing” and “doing things right.” I think declaring the Governor unfit and removing him from power “temporarily” pending impeachment proceedings would be the proper action for the court to take, given the extraordinary circumstances in this situation. I wouldn’t mind if they continued paying Blago his salary as a result of “temporary incapacitation,” pending prompt impeachment proceedings by the legislature.
I expect the SC to deny the AG’s request for 382 removal. But we can always hope for the best!
Comment by Captain America Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:26 pm
Interesting that the majority here see this as a stunt. So sad that the cynicism level is so high that apparently no one can do the right thing in Illinois.
Next week the real fun starts.
Comment by DuPage Dave Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:29 pm
Here is a question I’d like to hear some comment on: Would or could the apparent lack of enthusiasm from Speaker Madigan on impeachment damage his ability to retain his Speakership in the next session or impair his ability to maintain his strong hand style as Speaker?
Comment by Captain Flume Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:31 pm
This would set a very dangerous precedent: allegedly bad conduct by a Governor can constitute an “other disability” under Article V Section 6a of the Illinois Constitution??? And the Court can so rule? How does the Court determine factually that the Governor is “unable to serve” because of this “other disability”??? This suit is a terrible idea, and pure public relations.
Comment by Legaleagle Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:39 pm
==Interesting that the majority here see this as a stunt. So sad that the cynicism level is so high that apparently no one can do the right thing in Illinois.==
If your car breaks down, you expect mechanics to get it moving again. Our General Assembly is our mechanics, the state is our broken down car, yet to get Illinois moving again, they sent a tow truck.
So yes, Lisa’s legal manueverings could get us moving again, but it will not fix this state, it will demonstrate the refusal of our General Assembly to get us moving again, and clearly shows that Illinois is more corrupt than just it’s governor.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:47 pm
==Would or could the apparent lack of enthusiasm from Speaker Madigan on impeachment damage his ability to retain his Speakership in the next session or impair his ability to maintain his strong hand style as Speaker?==
Mr. Madigan has been demonstrating to us that he prefers saving his own political hide and political investments than taking action against the dumbest, most corrupt, impeachment-deserved governor in the United State.
His political stock is plummeting, but he has so much of it, he doesn’t yet care.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:50 pm
Captain Flume, I can’t imagine any of the House Dems would be willing to vote against MJM for Speaker. Some House Repubs tried to do that to former Republican Leader Lee Daniels in the late 80s (or early 90s), and it cost them dearly.
Comment by TGIF Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:52 pm
VM you are right. Illinois is more corrupt than it’s governor. And yes the General Assembly should fix the problem, but I think that is broken to. What else can be done?
Comment by Slick Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:53 pm
Is pronouncing the first syllable of Illinois as “el” some kind of South Side Chicago thing? I’ve always heard it pronounced as “ill.”
Comment by Anon Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 12:56 pm
John 3:16
Thank You,
Comment by Boscobud Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:00 pm
Looks like some of our dem leaders had the cart before the horse. Starting to re-think the special election.
Durbin Softens Special Election Demand
By David M. Drucker
Roll Call Staff
December 12, 2008, 11:06 a.m.
Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) on Thursday relaxed his call for an immediate special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat, saying a gubernatorial appointment is preferable and that disgraced Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) should be given a chance to resign.
http://www.rollcall.com/news/30820-1.html
Comment by Been There Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:02 pm
I have to side with leagleeagle on this. Setting aside our personal opinions, at this point I have grave concerns about the Gov’s due process rights being violated.
The gov has been charged but not convicted. The hearing madigan is seeking does not propvide an opporutnity for the Gov to review the evidence aligned against him (opinions of the US attorney about his own case!) such as the entire tape recordings etc to dispute the information. No opportunity to conduct discovery or cross exmaine witnesses (again, do we really want to use a quote from Fitzagerald and reduce him to a witness subject to cross examination and discovery!).
This dicesion should not be made based upon media reports and quotations. Lisa madigan has invoked the Supreme Court to embark on a trial where no hard evidence or witnesses are being produced. I fear the society where our courts decisions are built upon stories in the newspaper, and unproven legal pleadings.
Our judicial system needs to stan seperate from our individual opinions about the graveness and severity of the conduct which right now stand onl as untested allegations.
Comment by Ghost Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:08 pm
Been There, I think Durbin got taken to the woodshed by Harry Reid. Why risk a Dem Senate seat in the midst of scandal?
Comment by wordslinger Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:08 pm
===Is pronouncing the first syllable of Illinois as “el” some kind of South Side Chicago thing?===
Whenever anyone tells me Noel, Noel, I just take the bus.
Comment by Been There Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:09 pm
Given the fact that Blago won the last election I can only assume that the majority of people on this blog voted for him. Thus, if you are looking for whom to blame I suggest you look in the mirror. At a minimum the majority of us must share the blame.
It is time to quit all this speculation and finger pointing. Let the process take place. It isn’t as though Blago has his finger on the nuclear missile system.
People, get real, get ahold of yourself. The end of the world is not at hand!!!!
Comment by MOON Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:15 pm
Waste of time. I don’t see this tactic having much of a chance of success. However, if it is successful, this could create an interesting precedent for the future as it would redefine the intent of this rule.
If they had just started on impeachment proceedings right away, we could all be spared this nonsense and we would be closer to having that idiot out of office.
Comment by Porter Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:17 pm
And who says that a Governor Quinn might not name a moderate Republican? You know, just to stir things up.
Comment by Captain Flume Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:20 pm
Bad Move - you’re wrong and Mikva talked about that at the presser. The GA has the ultimate authority under the constitution and they can remove him no matter what the SC does with AG Madigan’s requests.
The Doc - she also talked about that and how long it took to look at the laws and file the motions. her requests don’t stop the GA from impeaching and she urged them to impeach, but she said that the SC could possibly move faster if they choose to act
AG Madigan’s actions were proper and appropriate today, I think it took some time to get the papers in order because it has never been done before for one thing.
Comment by carbon deforestation Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 1:42 pm
OK I wanted to take Bambenek’s citizen’s complaint about removal seriously and then I take one look at the brief and it has Milorad R. Blagojevich AND Rodney R. Blagojevich listed on the first page? Ugh.
Anyway… this Lisa fan is not a fan of this filing. Just looks like grandstanding and MJM Machievellian machination to me. Rod should have been impeached months and months ago for any number of things like the illegal health care program expansion for one. If MJM drags his feet on impeachment and doesn’t get something started on Monday this liberal will not vote for another Democrat in this state until MJM is removed as head of the Illinois Democratic Party, which frankly he should have the decency to resign as ANYWAY as a co-chair of Rod Blagojevich’s re-election campaign and for having this scandal in the governor’s office occur on his watch.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Friday, Dec 12, 08 @ 3:00 pm