State House Democrats Gathering Sponsors for Blagojevich Impeachment
Springfield - Four House Democrats this afternoon have begun circulating a letter among their colleagues gauging interest in having their names attached to an impeachment resolution being prepared against Gov. Blagojevich.
Some Illinois Democrats are pushing for the impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich. (Photo: Getty Images
The maneuver by Rep. John Fritchey (D-Chicago), Rep. David Miller (D-Dolton), Rep. James Brosnahan (D-Evergreen Park) and Rep. Thomas Holbrook (D-Alton) sets the stage next week for lawmakers to begin unleashing their most lethal weapon against a politically isolated and ethically stained governor who stubbornly refuses to relinquish power.
"Impeachment allows the Legislature to assume full responsibility for addressing the crisis which faces our state, and by virtue of the vacant Senate seat, our entire country," Fritchey told the Sun-Times.
The legislators' letter indicates impeachment could be "concluded in a matter of weeks, not months" and is a preferable alternative to waiting on Blagojevich to resign on his own or for Attorney General Lisa Madigan to petition the Illinois Supreme Court to rule on Blagojevich's fitness for office.
It still is not clear whether House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) will allow an impeachment resolution to be voted on. Earlier this week, Madigan voiced support for passing legislation that would strip Blagojevich of his power to appoint a Senate successor to Barack Obama by setting up a special election. That legislation is being drafted.
Madigan spokesman Steve Brown would not say this afternoon if Madigan would permit an impeachment resolution to reach the House floor if it is filed by Fritchey and the others Monday, when the House and Senate come into session.
Brown would only say that the speaker's intent is to discuss impeachment with House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), who has called for impeachment proceedings against the governor to begin.
"We'll sit down and discuss that," Brown said. "That's the important thing to do. We're not resisting anything. I will point out that Madigan is the only one the last four years who consistently has been telling people to stay away from this guy. His record on Rod Blagojevich is very, very clear."