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This just in…Madigan creates impeachment committee

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Illinois

*** 1:53 PM *** Quinn thinks impeachment can be wrapped up in a month…

Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn says that if Gov. Rod Blagojevich does not step down he thinks the impeachment process could be completed by Jan. 14 - the day the new General Assembly takes office

* 11:48 AM - House Speaker Michael Madigan has scheduled a press conference for noon today.

* 12:04 PM - Madigan announced the creation of a select committee on inquiry. House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie will chair. Justice Alan Grieman will serve as special counsel to the Speaker.

* Madigan says he wants the committee to meet every day except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Even and New Years Day.

The committee will establish the standards for impeachment, Madigan said.

MJM: The Governor will be afforded full rights under the state and federal constitutions.

MJM: We will attach the affidavit (to the record that’s sent to the Senate). We plan to ask the US Attorney to cooperate.

“We plan to proceed without delay.”

MJM: Abuse of power is one avenue they will pursue.

MJM: We’ve been reviewing grounds for impeachment for about a year. We never came to a judgment that impeachment was appropriate until the events of six days ago.

Madigan said that since he’s watched the governor operate for the past six years, he was not surprised at anything in the criminal complaint.

MJM said that the House Dem caucus would discuss a special election to fill the vacant Senate seat during a meeting this afternoon.

The impeachment committee will hold hearings in Statehouse Room 114 and the hearings will be open to the public.

MJM: We can’t give you a specific answer on the time line.

Madigan said they will ask for an “offer of proof” from people who testify to the impeachment committee.

An impeachment resolution will be voted on today. The resolution will create the committee of inquiry.

The committee will have 21 members. 12 Democrats and 9 Republicans.

Asked several times about his co-chairing of Blagojevich’s 2006 campaign, Madigan finally said: I can’t say I knew he was under intense scrutiny at the time.

We’re not going to trample anyone’s constitutional rights in the process.

Impeachment inquiry will be paid for out of the existing House budget.

Quite possible that impeachment could overshadow everything during the upcoming session, which is why he wants things started right away.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 11:48 am

Comments

This just gets better and better.

Comment by Y2D Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 11:52 am
He’s going to commemorate the enactment of the Illinois Constitution, on this day in 1970. In memory of that year, he’ll wear a leisure suit. but no sideburns. Too evocative of …. someone else.

Comment by Muskrat Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 11:52 am
any media outlests covering this live so we can watch or listen?

Comment by Sprfld Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 11:56 am
’bout time madigan had something to say on this issue. He’s been too quiet on this.

Comment by Pickles!! Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:02 pm
There’s a link on Drudge to the CBS website in Chg. From the website:

CHICAGO (CBS) ― House Speaker Michael Madigan will form a House committee to begin preparations to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich, sources tell CBS 2.

The committee will work every day from now through the end of the session on Jan. 14 with the exception of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day to move the impeachment ahead through the House. A resolution for impeachment will be introduced either Monday or Tuesday. At least 75 House members are in favor of such a resolution, which is more than the majority that is required.

Comment by BandCamp Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:02 pm
CBS 2 said they were, but has not started yet…http://cbs2chicago.com/local/blagojevich.illinois.politicians.2.887075.html

Comment by McLean Farmboy Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:02 pm
Live on CNN

Comment by Nick Ponton Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:03 pm
It’s on NPR in Spfld. (Around 91 or so FM)

Comment by big fan Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:03 pm
Very good, MJM. That’s what we’re looking for.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:08 pm
When does the six days start?

“We have given the governor six days to resign,'’ Madigan said. “He has declined to take opportunity to resign. It is time to move forward.”

Comment by iMAGINE Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:28 pm
Is this all for nothing? What will happen when it goes to the Senate under the dictatorship of Emil?

Comment by Tired of the Mess... Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:32 pm
Good Job, Speaker!
A fair and honest way to deal with this mess. Will the committee have subpoena power? will the witnesses testify under oath?

Comment by Bill Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:33 pm
who is on the committee

Comment by Illinois.Pundit Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:35 pm
I join with the others offering kudos to the Speaker. This is exactly the way to act. Severely but thoughtfully. Let’s test that testicular virility.

Comment by babs Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:36 pm
Madigan has filed his legislation hr 1650

Comment by Quacktastic Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:39 pm
“Madigan said that since he’s watched the governor operate for the past six years, he was not surprised at anything in the criminal complaint”

Really, Mr. Speaker? So why did you agree to serve as co-chair of his re-election campaign 2 years ago?!?!?!

Comment by grand old partisan Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:39 pm
MJM says they’ve been looking into impeachment for “about a year.” That dates back to the time Blago attempted that end-run around JCAR with the healthcare expansion…which some regard as an impeachable offense in and of itself.

Comment by Bookworm Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:40 pm
hmmm. Greiman. very interesting. married to a Legislator who aspires to higher office. is a former legislator. and he is somewhat soft on criminals. sorta fair and sorta not all wrapped up in one.

Comment by Amy Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:40 pm
GOP,
Probably because given the alternatives Blagojevich was the best candidate.

Comment by Bill Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:41 pm
HR1650 has been posted on the ILGA website. It obviously doesn’t provide names of the legislators who will serve on the Impeachment Committee, but it gives details on the powers the Committee will be granted.

Comment by GA Watcher Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:41 pm
I hope all the commenters in the last week who were bashing Madigan for taking no action in public will kindly apologize. He’s clearly been working hard and now has a reasonable proposal to move forward.

Comment by DuPage Dave Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:44 pm
To me, it sounded like it might drag out until the next session of the GA…MGM said they will pass a resolution that carry over the work of this GA to the next…

Comment by Nick Ponton Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:44 pm
Sounds like they are going to drag this out into a real dog and pony show. Maybe allow some folks to establish a crusader reputation.

Color me cynical…we don’t have a good history with anti-corruption crusaders in this wonderful state.

Just vote to impeach, dangit. Git r done.

Comment by Melancton Smith Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:46 pm
DuPage, would it have been too much to ask that the Speaker say SOMETHING to the press and the public during his deliberations?

Comment by tubbfan Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:47 pm
Perhaps MJM is trying to drag this out just enough to remove Emil Jones from the equation. . .

Comment by tubbfan Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:47 pm
Bill -

Don’t you think Madigan gave his support solely to continue the Chicago Democrat Mob stranglehold on Illinois?

I didn’t think so.

Comment by Oh, Bill Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:50 pm
I am glad they decided to go forward in parrallel to the supreme court proceedings. The fun question, if they create rules for this proceeding do they have to go through JCAR under the Administartive procedures act?

Comment by Ghost Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:51 pm
While everyone else was running around doing much of their thinking in front of the cameras (which usually results in a series of contradictory statements), Madigan was working his plans out away from the spotlight. He may have had a variety of ideas over the past week, but he fleshed out a coherent plan before going public, so he looks like the real leader. (And, kudos to Steve Brown who showed why he deserves a golden horseshoe!)

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:51 pm
Six days from when today, last Tuesday?

Comment by ????? Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:54 pm
Ghost — don’t think so, because these would be GA rules, not executive agency rules. The House and Senate are free to make their own rules.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:55 pm
==Asked several times about his co-chariing of Blagojevich’s 2006 campaign, Madigan finally said: I can’t say I knew he was under intense scrutiny at the time.==

And I, Santa Claus, along with my good friends the Easter Bunny and Toothfairy, really do exist.

Comment by Santa Claus Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:56 pm
One of the funniest/saddest things to show up during this whole thing is a photo (currently #6 on the Trib’s Blago scandal photo set) of the governor trying to look like he’s engaged in state business, holding a file folder labeled “Health/Capital Budget”.

I’m imagining the guy has only 3 folders of work total. #2 is “Transportation/Prisons” and #3 is “Everything else.”

Health/Capital Budget?? He must have labeled that as he walking out, and just put the names of the only two issues he could think of on it!

Comment by lincoln street Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:57 pm
MJM is making sure this carries into the next GA, with the verbage stating the next GA will accept the work done by this committee, in this GA. It DOES take Emil out of the mix, in so far, that the work to be done will go beyond the sitting of the current GA.

All of this is interesting, but let’s make sure we have a real good grasp of what exactly is going on, and how it is being orchestrated. Who gets to sit on the committee? You want to see the next “rising stars”, that will also not topple the apple cart? It would be difficult to see the “most vocal” getting all the seats, at least on the Dem side. The GOP needs their “best and brightest” to have seats, and, heaven forbid, those “mushrooms” get caught in anything illegal or unethical.

If MJM asks you to take a seat, be very careful before answering … it took more than one choice before Hastert became Speaker because of scandal. Why? … MJM never, ever, ever does anything unless he controls the endgame. Want a good way to get rid of a Lisa rival? Put them on a committee about impeachment, get them on a High Horse, and step aside … Think this is far-fetched? “T.I.I.” eh Rich?

Comment by In the Land of Silos and Cows ... Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 12:59 pm
So given the Speaker’s time frame, seems like it would be a good time to hear what the (current) Senate president thinks…

Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:03 pm
In the Land– MJM said everyone on the committee will have served at least six terms.

Comment by And I Approved This Message Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:03 pm
He said every Democrat will have served at least six terms…

Comment by Nick Ponton Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:06 pm
I missed that, thanks. So who is going to qualify?

Comment by In the Land of Silos and Cows ... Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:10 pm
==Asked several times about his co-chariing of Blagojevich’s 2006 campaign, Madigan finally said: I can’t say I knew he was under intense scrutiny at the time.==

Why not just say: “He was the sitting Governor, at the top of the party ticket, and I am the party chair. Of course I was “co-chair,” (uses air quotes) it was a title and that’s about it. If there is anyone in here who doesn’t understand that, you need to get another job or at least another beat.”

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:13 pm
===When does the six days start?===

lol

The six days started when RRB was frog-marched out of his house last Tuesday morning.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:15 pm
How’s this for interesting committee members to put together: Hoffman & Phelps & Black & Mulligan

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:18 pm
Melancton (& others): Impeachment is a Constitutional process, with its own precedents. What Madigan is doing it following proper procedure. The last thing you want to do is give Blago grounds for an appeal to the Supreme Court of his impeachment because they didn’t follow procedure. The steps he announced today are quite appropriate. If he’s going to git’r'done, with or without Larry the Cable Guy, he needs to lay the foundation first.

Comment by HoosierDaddy Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:27 pm
I think it’s spelled Greiman.

Comment by Anon Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:27 pm
pot — i don’t think phelps can serve… he hasn’t served 6 terms yet, has he?

btw - I loved Greiman’s red sweatshirt.

Comment by dupage progressive Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:30 pm
What effect, if any, will this have on Lisa’s end run around the state constitution? I would think if the Supremes see that the GA is on the case, they would be less inclined to want to short circuit the process.

On another point, I realize, as Rich said, that impeachment is political, not legal. However, I would still think that they need some type of evidence from a public perception and precedential standpoint. You don’t want to set the bar so low that you wind up getting hung up on it yourself at some future time.

Comment by MikeintheSuburbs Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:37 pm
I am happy Madigan looks like he is giving serious thought on the whole procedure, and more importantly he is moving on it today. The last thing we need is Blago finding some “loopholes” on procedures and getting this thing thrown out. I still hope the man resigns this week. I think it’s a disgrace that Blago is hurting Obama’s image before he even steps in as President. Blago won’t even take the advice of the next President of the US and do the right thing and resign.

Comment by anon Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:50 pm
Rich, “frog-marched” is for arrested on a “complaint” and “perp-walked” is for arrested following indictment? Trying to keep all this legalese jargon straight.

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 1:58 pm
And buried deep beneath all the theatrics is the origninal purpose for calling the special session–a special election to fill the Senate vacancy.

After Durbin, MJM, LM, Obama, Quinn, etc., etc., all called for the people to have the right to name a new senator the politicos woke up and realized that the people might not do what the politicos wanted and they backtracked furiously.

Now you’ll get your kangaroo court that will impeach to most unpopular guy on the planet right now, but there is no way that something important like control over a senate seat will be wrested from the grip of the insiders.

Comment by abe froman Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:01 pm
==You don’t want to set the bar so low that you wind up getting hung up on it yourself at some future time.==

I’m sure there are law profs working on this now, but of all the impeachments of governors, mayors, judges or presidents in the history of the United States, how many were impeached before they were convicted of crimes?

I’d guess most were impeached between the period they were charged with a crime and when they were convicted or pleaded down to a lower sentence.

I think the Democrats are in a very tough spot right now.

Comment by Gabriel Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:06 pm
=== how many were impeached before they were convicted of crimes?===

Evan Mecham was impeached and removed before his trial started.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:09 pm
“Perp walk” and “frog march” are both slang terms referring to the practice of police forcing a criminal suspect to march through a public place (usually a courthouse or jail entrance or exit). They are pretty much synonymous although “frog march” generally implies a greater degree of resistance, surprise or shock on the part of the defendant — you picture him being dragged along with his legs splayed apart or dangling in the air like those of a frog.

Comment by Bookworm Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:11 pm
Both impeached presidents (Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton) were impeached and acquitted without ANY criminal charges ever being brought against them. Same for Richard Nixon, who resigned after House Judiciary had approved articles of impeachment but before the full House got to vote on them.

Comment by Bookworm Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:16 pm
Thanks, Bookworm. I think “frog marched” is preferable in describing a 6 A.M. arrest and also considering the target in this case.

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:18 pm
I hope the Supreme Court moves forward because it is a different question and standard: can the Gov. carry out his duties? He’s trying to show that he can, but the accusations put a cloud over everything he does. The best thing for the operation of the state would be for the Supremes to take away the Gov’s powers for the time being based on the fact that the allegations the Feds have made prevent the state from doing certain types of business (ie. bonding) as well as the potential legal questions arising from pretty much any official actions he takes.

Comment by Pot calling kettle Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:19 pm
On the bright side, he’s signing legislation.

Comment by Hanging Chad Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:34 pm
Like an old man shoveling snow, I hope this sudden Burst of working on guv’s part doesn’t give him a heart attack.

Comment by A Citizen Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:38 pm
When’s Emil’s press conference? I don’t want to miss it…

Comment by Keep Smiling Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:40 pm
What’s the over/under on the Grand Jury getting its indictment out before the General Assembly gets articles of impeachment out for a full vote?

Comment by Hanging Chad Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:43 pm
MikeintheSuburbs, read the constitution. LMM’s run is right up the middle, not around the end. It’s constitutional, and it’s the most practical thing short-term, because it lets government go on while the impeachment process unfolds. If Blago is vindicated, as he is saying he will be, then Lisa’s move will allow him to resume doing things “lawfully”. She’s doing everybody, even the governor, a favor. And doing it legally.

Comment by Ann O'Namus Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 2:44 pm
Is Alan Greiman an active Justice of the Appellate Court? If so, how can he serve as “special counsel” to the speaker while serving as a jurist? It doesn’t add up. Is it appropriate for him to be a judge, advise the speaker and be married to a sitting member of the house?

Comment by How Can This Be? Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 5:29 pm
So, what did the Supremes accomplish today? Did they convene to consider the Rule 382 Motions? If not, when will they? It is now clear we can expect nothing speedy from Mr. Madigan and House, even if it is unanimous. Now they can all say (except for the five absentees) they at least voted to investigate impeachment!

And, they saw nothing worthy of impeachment in the Governor’s record before six days ago? You’ve got to be kidding. This apparently means they will rely heavily on the facts alleged in the federal Complaint, and ignore or gloss over the umpteen prior unconstitutional acts of this Chief Executive. I hope I’m wrong on that.

The federal Grand Jury may come back with an Indictment before the House ever sends a Bill of Impeachment to the Senate. At least, delaying such a Bill until the 96th Assembly convenes neatly cancels any role Emil Jones would play in a trial.

Comment by Oberon Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 8:56 pm
Oberon, I don’t think they’re going to have just the federal complaint… they are calling all sorts of agency people and others to testify. If they really are going to work every single day other than Christmas, New Year’s and their respective Eves (I presume that includes weekends too) they are going to have plenty of evidence of the “umpteen prior unconstitutional acts of this Chief Executive.”

Comment by Bookworm Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 10:15 pm
Greiman lost in the last in election… not sure if he lost in “retention” of seat, or what he lost, just know he lost. So, he must have had some time on his hands…

Comment by dupage progressive Monday, Dec 15, 08 @ 10:51 pm