Politics: State Sen. Koehler wants Blago to remain governor for years to come (UPDATED)
Posted in Politics with tags blagojevich, Dave Koehler, David Leitch, emil jones on December 9, 2008 by Billy DennisI 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.
