Politics: State Sen. Koehler wants Blago to remain governor for years to come (UPDATED)
I just read Dewayne Bartels’ interview with State Sen. Dave Koehler regarding Governor Blagojevich’s arrest on corruption charges.
Koehler is “dissapointed” and “distressed” and finds the whole thing “embarrassing.”
But does Koehler support impeachment?
No.
Koehler said he has heard some passing talk about impeachment, but said that it is premature.
“That’s an option,” he said.
“But, the case needs to go forward with the judiciary first.”
Here’s the thing: It took years for “the judiciary” to convict George Ryan. And if you look at the Illinois Constitution carefully, it states that the impeachment process is not part of the criminal justice system. It’s a decision through which elected officials can remove a politician for cause. There is no obligation to wait until he’s put on trial, or to wait until it concludes.
If we wait for “the judiciary” to “move forward,” then we are stuck with this guy — who was caught on tape shaking down a children’s hospital, for God’s sake — for at least two years.
Koehler has been a strong supporter of both Blagojevich and State Sen. Emil Jones.
Like I said, there’s no way Blago gets impeached.
UPDATE: Bartels writes that State Rep. David Leitch says there’s an impeachment petition is being circulated.
UPDATE 2: You know that unnamed candidate for Obama’s seat with whom Blago is accused of trying to secure a job on Obama’s cabinet in exchange for the appointment: Rich Miller thinks it’s Senate President Emil Jones. You know. The guy who would have to approve any impeachment proceedings. Perhaps Dewayne can get Koehler on the phone and ask if he’s distressed, disappointed and embarrassed by this as well.
December 9th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Pat Quinn is already polishing his crown. And thus the people of Illinois will pay for their sins.
December 9th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I’m telling my state reps and senators this as a Democratic adviser with the state party’s best interest’s in mind.
Cut bait now. Right this second some secure (from the party) House Democrat should start the process of impeachment proceedings with a GOP co-sponsor. Every time a Democrat voices even tepid approval of Blago or says this “a process that should work itself out” their numbers will tank.
Blago was polling at 13% prior to this. To borrow a phrase I despise, throw him under the bus.
December 9th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is calling for the guv to resign.
Press release text at peoriatimesobserver.com
December 9th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Time to vote him off the island
December 9th, 2008 at 4:57 pm
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/pressure-mounts-on-blagojevich-to-resign.html
“Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) said if Blagojevich doesn’t resign, he will seek to put together a House committee to go forward with impeachment hearings.
“I’m not going to let it drag on. I’m just not going to let that happen,” Franks said. “I’ll do everything in my power to bring a swift conclusion to this dark episode.”
Good on you Jack Franks.
December 9th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
For those who live in Dave’s district, you can contact him here:
http://www.koehlerforstatesenate.com/contact.aspx
Springfield Office:
Senator 46th District
311 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8250
(217) 782-3213 FAX
District Office:
13 S. Capitol Street
Pekin, IL 61554
(309) 346-4646
(309) 346-4650 FAX
December 9th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
Dave-
You are a smart guy. Get real. Blago’s going down. And the only people in Illinois who think this is a bad thing are his cronies. Don’t place yourself in that camp, please.