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.

Jones earned my ire by pushing the University of Illinois into dumping the chief. It’s hardly the worse outrage he has perpetrated on the state, though.

His long-time hold of the state senate demonstrates how desperately we need a Constitutional Convention to establish limits on how long anyone can serve in a leadership position, as well as limits in how established candidates can spread around campaign cash to build their own power.