Chorus of Illinois Elected Officials Call for Governor's Resignation

[babylonsister]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/brett-ashley-mckenzie/chorus-of-illinois-electe_b_149709.html


Brett Ashley McKenzie
Posted December 9, 2008 | 06:36 PM (EST)

Chorus of Illinois Elected Officials Call for Governor's Resignation


In the wake of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's arrest this morning, a chorus of Chicago and Illinois officials, Democrats and Republicans alike, have called for his resignation.

The list includes:

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn
State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan
State Comptroller Dan Hynes
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D, IL-8)
U.S. Representative John Shimkus (R, IL-19)
U.S. Representative Don Manzullo (R, IL-16)
State Rep. Jack Franks (D, IL-63)
State Rep. Tom Cross (R, IL-84)
State Sen. Bill Brady (R, IL-44)
State Rep. Bob Flider (R, IL-101)
State Rep. Bill Mitchell (R, IL-44)
State Rep. Dan Brady (R, IL-88)
State Sen. Mike Frerichs (D, IL-52)
State Rep. Chapin Rose (R, IL-110)

"Today, our worst fears have been realized," said Attorney General Madigan. "Once again, the people of Illinois have learned that a Governor has engaged in a shockingly flagrant scheme to sell his power and authority to the highest bidder."

"This is a sad day for Illinois government and for the people of our great state," said Treasurer Giannoulias. "Governor Blagojevich's actions alleged in the complaint show a complete disregard for Illinois residents who elected him to lead. Today's indictment further demonstrates that we need to reform a deeply flawed system where political money is traded for favors and government is clearly for sale. The governor has failed in his responsibilities and should resign immediately."

"If Governor Blagojevich has any regard for the State of Illinois and its residents, he will immediately resign from office," said Congressman Shimkus. "The State of Illinois needs to move forward with its business, including the appointment of our new Senator, and he cannot remain at its helm."

Many elected officials, including U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D, IL), are also calling for a special session or election to reassign responsibility to determine President-elect Obama's successor, which currently falls to the governor.

[Wabbajack_]

1. Jack Franks is a Democrat

[babylonsister]

2. Thanks; edited. nt

[Wabbajack_]

4. Maybe it was deliberate by the Huff post

He's sounds like a DINO but strongly anti-corruption.

[stevebreeze]

6. just bearly

[Wabbajack_]

9. Surpsing he hasn't switched

but he "doesn't subscribe to Republican Values".

Its seems more and more "conservatives" of the sane ilk are joining the Democrats. Good for winning elections in enemy territory, very very bad for governing.

[terrya]

3. Hell, that's the highest officials of the Executive Branch right there.

All Democrats.

We're now into a situation where it looks like there will be an impeachment. State government will grind to a halt while most likely he'll end up being removed from office, anyway.

[babylonsister]

5. Not according to this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4619906&mesg_id=4619906

It's Official: Illinois Legislature Pushing Blago Aside, Will Pass Bill For Special Election

[terrya]

7. That's good about the election.

I'm talking about the other parts of state government...passing a state budget, etc. That part of state government will be stalled during an impeachment of Blagojevich.

[babylonsister]

8. Gotcha. You're right. Blog has to go before IL can get their state

gov't in order. I hope he heeds their call to resign.

[babylonsister]

10. .

[saltpoint]

11. I am listening close and hear no tearful moans tonight in Illinois.

What I do hear sounds a lot like corks popping on champagne bottles.