Apr 8, 2008 10:02 am US/Central
State House Passes Recall Amendment
Many Supporters Say Bill Is Aimed At Blagojevich; Senate Passage Unlikely
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) ―
Illinois voters are one step closer to being able to recall unpopular politicians
The Illinois House today passed an amendment to the state constitution that would allow voters to recall politicians who are doing a poor job. Under the proposal, a certain percentage of voters would have to sign petitions before a recall vote could be placed on the ballot.
But State Senate President Emil Jones has said he will not call the bill for a vote in the Senate.
Some supporters, including Franks, have made it clear that the bill is aimed at Gov. Rod Blagojevich. His tussles with lawmakers have created major gridlock on key issues for the last year.
When the bill was debated last week, Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), a Blagojevich supporter, called the amendment unnecessary and urged legislators to stop finger-pointing and come up with solutions. He shouted an expletive to end his floor speech.
For the bill to be enacted, voters would also have to be petitioned for support. It is not clear whether it could take effect during Blagojevich's current term.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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