Ill. sinks deeper into chaos over scandal

[defendandprotect]

Ill. sinks deeper into chaos over scandal
By DEANNA BELLANDI and CHRISTOPHER WILLS, Associated Press Writer Deanna Bellandi
And Christopher Wills, Associated Press Writer –

Ill. AG asks court to declare governor unfit
Slideshow: Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Play Video Video: Questions Surround Emanuel In Blagojevich Scandal CBS 2 Chicago Play Video Video: Blagojevich Aide Says Governor Staying Positive CBS 2 Chicago AP – Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan discusses a motion she filed with the State Supreme Court asking … CHICAGO – Illinois plunged deeper into turmoil Friday over disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich as the attorney general asked the state's highest court to strip the governor of his powers, billions of dollars in bills went unpaid and lawmakers moved closer to impeaching the scandal-plagued politician.

But Blagojevich showed no sign of backing down. He took time to pray with ministers at his home and signed a bill that extends insurance coverage for autistic kids, sending a sign to his critics that he's still in charge.

In the midst of it all, the state headed toward an extraordinary constitutional showdown. Attorney General Lisa Madigan asked the Supreme Court to declare Blagojevich unfit to serve, likening his corruption scandal to a debilitating illness as she ramped up pressure on the governor to resign. The move seeks to hand power over to the lieutenant governor.

"I recognize that this is an extraordinary request, but these are extraordinary circumstances," Madigan said.

It is the first time in Illinois history that such an action was taken. The attorney general is applying a rule that was intended to cover cases in which a governor is incapacitated for health reasons.

The Democrat is "unable to serve as governor due to disability and should not rightfully continue to hold that office," according to the motion. "His ability to provide effective leadership has been eliminated, and the state government is paralyzed."

The attorney general, also a Democrat, asked the court to strip the governor of his duties until possible impeachment proceedings and his criminal case run their course. If he does not step down and is not impeached or convicted, Blagojevich could go to the court and ask to be reinstated.




http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081213/ap_on_re_us/illinois_governor

[mucifer]

1. it looks like impeachment is gonna take a few weeks. I'm glad Lisa Madigan is

on this. Hopefully, it will happen sooner.

[defendandprotect]

3. I don't watch TV news .. a little Olberman -- Daily Show ...

And considering Bush crime record, little seemed to happen there...

And this tape only a few weeks ago -- and Fitzpatrick investigating 2 years --??!!!

The GOP timing looks perfect -- shake confidence of nation in DEMS prior to

Inauguration --

Reminds me of what they did to Carter and Clinton --

[murielm99]

4. Fitz said that he had planned to wait until March or April

to act. But when it was indicated that Blago was trying to sell the Senate seat, he moved up the timetable.

I do not think it was politically timed. Fitz acted earlier to prevent further crimes. Imagine the damage if the Senate seat was sold to the highest bidder and that could be proven. This is far less damaging in the long run.

Obama did nothing wrong. We all know that.

Blago is corrupt. Everyone in Illinois knows that, and knew that he would be indicted soon. He is a son of a bitch for what he has done to our party.

That said, he has not been found guilty yet. But I trust Fitz more than I trust Blago.

Just out of curiosity, when was the last time a sitting governor was arrested? This is so embarrassing to us Illinois Democrats.

[defendandprotect]

9. But what was going on for two years ...???

If everyone knew Blago was corrupt, how was he elected--??

Evidently, not only corrupt, but demented -- an easy target --

so why wasn't he recalled? Was there any discussion of that or just happy

to have a DEM in office?

It still reminds me of Arkansas and the constant mining for "dirt" that went

on to harass Clinton --

Not that I'm saying Clinton should have ever been the nominee or that the

Clintons should even be in public office -- I'm not!

And same with Carter -- we've been prevented since '63 from having deserving

candidates ...

[murielm99]

11. Many Democrats were unhappy with Blago

before the election. There was a primary. He won. It could be simply because he was the incumbent, and the Illinois republicans have been in disarray for a long time.

Yes, everyone knew he was corrupt. Seven out of our last ten governors have been indicted. The governor's office in Illinois seems to invite this. It makes people lose their souls.

It makes me sick, considering that we are the state that has sent Lincoln, Paul Simon, Adlai Stephenson Obama and others into public office. We simply need to clean up state politics.

We have many honest people who could do the job. I think Quinn is fine. Lisa Madigan, Dan Hynes, Alexi Giannoulias and a few more would be great in the office. I don't know why the crooks always end up being the ones elected. The republicans and Democrats are equally bad in this regard.

We know there is corruption here. Some of us are trying to work from the inside to end it.

There have been attempts to impeach Blago. Much of that was viewed as infighting.

As far as having a Dem in office, yes, that is part of it. Our state is in a lot of trouble because of years and years of republican greed. I won't apologize for being glad to see a Democratic governor and legislature. We had more than twenty years of a republican majority. The house speaker was openly racist. They spent all our money.

Where do you live? Are all your politicians as pure as the driven snow?

[defendandprotect]

12. Thanks for the great reply ...

I don't know why the crooks always end up being the ones elected.

When both parties are equally corrupt, you can't blame computers which

was what I was wondering about. Looks like we're only being given "crooks"

to vote for. Think that's been true since we overturned party control of

nominees. Made it easier for corrupt to move up!

Apologies for being ignorant of what's happened in Illinois over decades.

And thank you again for taking the time to tell me.

I also understand about a more secure feeling of having DEM in office...

I'm in New Jersey -- DEMS in control mainly and corrupt. GOP would be worse.

We've managed twice to put a better GOV in office, but GOP destroyed them.

Corzine is wealthy -- corrupt, I'm not sure/? -- but I'm quite sure he'll be

helping corps -- not consumers. Many try to expose the DEM corruption but

many fear GOP more! Tho my town continues to elect GOP majority town council.

I've had a little experience with local people who investigate -- they are

threatened. Some continue on, nonetheless.

[defendandprotect]

13. Thanks for the great reply ...

I don't know why the crooks always end up being the ones elected.

When both parties are equally corrupt, you can't blame computers which

was what I was wondering about. Looks like we're only being given "crooks"

to vote for. Think that's been true since we overturned party control of

nominees. Made it easier for corrupt to move up!


Apologies for being ignorant of what's happened in Illinois over decades.

And thank you again for taking the time to tell me.

I also understand about a more secure feeling of having DEM in office...

I'm in New Jersey -- DEMS in control mainly and corrupt. GOP would be worse.

We've managed twice to put a better GOV in office, but GOP destroyed them.

Corzine is wealthy -- corrupt, I'm not sure/? -- but I'm quite sure he'll be

helping corps -- not consumers. Many try to expose the DEM corruption but

many fear GOP more! Tho my town continues to elect GOP majority town council.

I've had a little experience with local people who investigate -- they are

threatened. Some continue on, nonetheless.

PS ... Still, what was Fitz doing for two years before Blago got the

SEAT FOR SALE idea ...???

[kirby]

2. Sounds like a touch argument to make legally..

He is an ass, but not incapacitated.

[silverojo]

5. Please don't put an entire post in boldface

It's very hard to read...I couldn't even read what you posted, because it hurt my eyes.


Thanks!

[defendandprotect]

10. OK -- I see what you mean -- Thanks ...

Unfortunately can't remove BOLD now --

If you want to read article, hit the link ---

[Pab Sungenis]

6. Not going to work.

It's up to the legislature to decide if he's unfit because of corruption. Corruption doesn't make you "incapacitated."

The court would be right to punt this to the legislature, who almost certainly are going to drop the hammer anyhow, just have to go through procedural hurdles.

[mucifer]

7. If you follow blago's behavior in the past few years I think Lisa Madigan may be

able to get him out. He does not act logically and he is dangerous in his position in my state. He has a pattern of strange behavior.

[Pab Sungenis]

8. I hope.

I wish her luck, but have my doubts.

[pampango]

14. Agreed. The courts removing a governor because of allegations of corruption

(since they haven't been proven yet) would set a terrible precedent that could be misused in the future.

I understand why many Illinois politicians might want to avoid an impeachment proceeding. Not only would it be time-consuming, but the testimony and evidence presented would likely implicate many of these same politicians who have "played ball" with Blago over the years. Better for them if the Illinois Supreme Court makes quick and clean work of getting rid of Blago without the mess of the public release of a lot of evidence against him.

[defendandprotect]

15. But also think State Supreme Court isn't good option ...

since they haven't been proven yet) would set a terrible precedent that could be misused in the future.

And I offer 2000 - Bush vs Gore -- as an example --