Governor Blagojevich Arrested
Dec 9, 2008 9:52 pm US/Central
Lawmakers Calling For Blagojevich's Resignation
Some Say Impeachment Proceedings Should Begin Immediately
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Barack Obama talks with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (l) on April 16, 2007, during a rally for support of the 2016 Olympic Games at Daley Plaza in Chicago, Illinois.
Jeff Haynes/AFP/Getty Images
Within hours of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's arrrest, state lawmakers and the attorney general were calling for his resignation or impeachment.
Democrat State Rep. John Fritchey told CBS 2 Political Editor Mike Flannery that impeachment proceeedings will have to begin now. Lt. Gov Pat Quinn told reporters Tuesday afternoon that Blagojevich should step aside.
The House Judiciary Committee chairman says he's already spoken to House Speaker Mike Madigan about taking such action against Blagojevich, and Fritchy believes it may be a necessity.
"I think the most honorable course of conduct would be for Gov. Blagojevich to resign. I don't see that happening based on his past comments. If that doesn't happen I think the House should be prepared to move quickly," Fritchey said.
Quinn said it's the right thing for Blagojevich to do to ensure that citizens know that state government continues with integrity.
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New Low For Illinois Politics
In a statement released Tuesday, Attorney General Lisa called for the resignation of Gov. Blagojevich.
"Today, our worst fears have been realized. 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. The conduct is especially outrageous and truly demonstrates a new level of corruption given that Governor Blagojevich has been the subject of ongoing criminal investigations for years."
The statement goes on to say that: "It is absolutely clear that the governor is incapable of governing. Governor Blagojevich should immediately resign and allow Lt. Governor Quinn to succeed him."
State Comptroller Dan Hynes also called on Blagojevich to resign. "For the well being of Illinois, Gov. Blagojevich must resign immediately," Hynes said in a statement from his office. "While this investigation is still ongoing, our state cannot afford to remain engulfed in this unfolding scandal.
"Our government's ability to deal on a daily basis with the fiscal and economic crises we currently face demands leadership and integrity. Our governor cannot provide either, and he needs to do what's right for the people of Illinois," the comptroller said.
Hynes added that, "On a personal note, I am immensely saddened and angered by these developments. This is perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of Illinois government, and a stain that will not be easily removed."
Impeachment is one way to remove the governor from office. The state's 1970 constitution also allows for the governor to remove himself temporarily. Then, there's a constitutional provision coupled with a state supreme court rule that may also allows someone – like Attorney General Lisa Madigan – to argue his ouster before the supreme court.
But former state senator and law professor Dawn Clark Netsch, who helped draft the 38-year-old constitution, cautions against its quick interpretation.
"I don't see in the constitutional language an opportunity necessarily for someone, except perhaps under general assembly legislation, to march in and say the governor cannot serve," Clark Netsch said.
Bottom line, Clark Netsch says this is unchartered territory.
"Bear in mind, what we are all dealing with is this is absolutely unprecedented. We have nothing to go on," Clark Netsch said.
U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky released a statement saying: "This is a sad day for the people of Illinois. The charges against Governor Blagojevich are very serious and damaging. It is in the best interest of the State of Illinois that Governor Blagojevich resign from office immediately. If he does not resign, the state legislature should reconvene for a special session immediately and begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Blagojevich. I have already called the Illinois Speaker of the House, Michael Madigan, and Illinois State Senate President, Emil Jones, to ask them to come back into session to begin impeachment proceedings."
Because the governor has not been convicted, he would still be empowered to appoint a senator to take the place of President-elect Barack Obama. With Tuesday's charges, lawmakers are concered about the legitimacy of any decision made by the governor.
State Republican Party Chairman Andrew McKenna said that if the governor does not resign, state legislators should move to impeach him.
"For the good of the state, and in the interest of the taxpayers, the Illinois Republican Party calls on Gov. Blagojevich to resign his office effective immediately," McKenna said in a statement released Tuesday morning.
"If Gov. Blagojevich does not resign his position, we urge the General Assembly to move swiftly with impeachment proceedings."
Attorney General Madigan said, "I am working quickly to move forward on the next legal steps should the Governor refuse to resign. I am already working with the legislative leaders to make sure that the work of this State continues without interruption."
Steve Brown, spokesperson for House Speaker Madigan, said Madigan is concerned about whether impeachment proceedings could be completed with the current lame duck legislature. Speaker Madigan also could wait until a new legislature is sworn in in January.
The U.S. government is accusing Blagjojevich of putting the senate vacancy up to the highest bidder, among other pay-to-play politcal charges.
According to the Illinois Constitution, the House of Representatives conducts impeachment investigations. If the majority votes for impeachment, the Senate conducts a trial.
If the Governor is tried, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall preside. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senators elected. Judgment shall not extend beyond removal from office and disqualification to hold any state public office.
It is important to keep in mind that Blagojevich has been cited in a federal complaint. He's not been formally indicted yet nor convicted of a crime, which could factor in to any action taken outside of the state capitol.
CBS 2's Dana Kozlov and the STNG Wire contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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