From the Office of Secretary of State Jesse White
January 29, 2009
This has been a difficult time for the state of Illinois. I applaud the Illinois House and Senate for conducting the impeachment process and trial of Rod Blagojevich fairly and professionally.
Since his arrest on December 9th, I have called for Mr. Blagojevich to step aside or resign immediately for the good of the state. As he refused to do so, I strongly believe today's vote by the Illinois Senate was the correct action. We now have an opportunity to restore integrity to not only state government but to the state of Illinois as a whole.
I am committed to working with Governor Pat Quinn to ensure that our state sets a high standard on ethics in government and enforces a strict no tolerance policy on any form of corruption or wrong doing. Our citizens deserve nothing less from their government.
Showing posts with label impeachment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label impeachment. Show all posts
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Governor to Testify Before Impeachment Trial
On Thursday, Governor Blagojevich will testify before the Illinois State Senate, holding a trial on whether to remove the governor from office.
Gov. Blagojevich, who has said in public interviews he feels the Senate Trial is a Sham, and that "the fix is in" to remove him -- will not be cross-examined by senators.
A vote on whether to remove Blagojevich as Illinois governor could come as early as Thursday evening, depending upon how long senators wish to deliberate on the matter.
Should the senate vote to remove Blagojevich, it is expected that Lt. Gov Quinn, would be sworn-in as Illinois' Governor shortly after Blagojevich is removed from office.
Gov. Blagojevich, who has said in public interviews he feels the Senate Trial is a Sham, and that "the fix is in" to remove him -- will not be cross-examined by senators.
A vote on whether to remove Blagojevich as Illinois governor could come as early as Thursday evening, depending upon how long senators wish to deliberate on the matter.
Should the senate vote to remove Blagojevich, it is expected that Lt. Gov Quinn, would be sworn-in as Illinois' Governor shortly after Blagojevich is removed from office.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Gov. Blagojevich Claims Impeachment Trial is "Unfair"
From Crain's Chicago Business
(AP) — Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich said he's not being defiant in boycotting his Senate impeachment trial next week, but that it's because the process is unfair.
At a news conference Friday, Blagojevich said under the Senate rules his constitutional rights were being trampled because he cannot call all the witnesses that he wants.
The two-term governor faces a Senate impeachment trial starting Monday that will determine if he will keep his job. The Senate rules bar testimony from anyone federal prosecutors say would jeopardize the criminal corruption trial against Blagojevich.
Blagojevich is accused of, among other things, scheming to benefit from his power to name President Barack Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
Blagojevich also said at the press conference that fellow Democrats want him out of office so they can raise income taxes.
He also called upon the state's newspaper editorial boards to urge the state Senate to change the rules of his impeachment trial.
Blagojevich said he's "mostly" done the right thing for the people of Illinois and he called on newspapers to "get involved."
Blagojevich wants the trial's rules changed so that he can call any witness he'd like. Senators, however, have said they won't allow any testimony that might interfere with the criminal investigation against the governor.
Blagojevich specifically mentioned Chicago's two largest newspapers, the Tribune and the Sun-Times.
Federal authorities have accused Blagojevich of pressuring the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers who had been critical of him.
(AP) — Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich said he's not being defiant in boycotting his Senate impeachment trial next week, but that it's because the process is unfair.
At a news conference Friday, Blagojevich said under the Senate rules his constitutional rights were being trampled because he cannot call all the witnesses that he wants.
The two-term governor faces a Senate impeachment trial starting Monday that will determine if he will keep his job. The Senate rules bar testimony from anyone federal prosecutors say would jeopardize the criminal corruption trial against Blagojevich.
Blagojevich is accused of, among other things, scheming to benefit from his power to name President Barack Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate.
He has denied any wrongdoing.
Blagojevich also said at the press conference that fellow Democrats want him out of office so they can raise income taxes.
He also called upon the state's newspaper editorial boards to urge the state Senate to change the rules of his impeachment trial.
Blagojevich said he's "mostly" done the right thing for the people of Illinois and he called on newspapers to "get involved."
Blagojevich wants the trial's rules changed so that he can call any witness he'd like. Senators, however, have said they won't allow any testimony that might interfere with the criminal investigation against the governor.
Blagojevich specifically mentioned Chicago's two largest newspapers, the Tribune and the Sun-Times.
Federal authorities have accused Blagojevich of pressuring the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers who had been critical of him.
Blagojevich: Lawmakers Want Me Out To Raise Taxes
From WBBM News Radio 780
CHICAGO (CBS/AP) - Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Friday morning that state legislators are trying to get him out of office quickly so that they can raise taxes.
Blagojevich spoke for more than 40 minutes on a local Chicago radio show early Friday, a day after the station's program director offered him a radio show if he resigns. The governor says he's done nothing wrong and has no intention of stepping down.
Blagojevich has been impeached by the state House and faces an impeachment trial in the Senate starting Monday that could end with his removal.
He says as soon as he's gone, state lawmakers will pass a "huge" income tax increase.
On Thursday, Blagojevich and his attorney Sam Adam Jr. spoke with CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine. They say they will not be at the impeachment trial when it begins.
"To deny due process to any citizen, however high or low that citizen might be, and do a rush to judgment (and) not give me a chance to have witnesses is wrong," Blagojevich said. "I'm not going to be a party to something like that, and whatever the consequences are to me, I'll face those, because the larger issues at stake is the fundamental rights citizens in our country."
"We'd love to work with them and have rules fair, so we can aggressively who that I've done nothing wrong, and have done about everything right," the governor added.
Blagojevich argued that without proper procedures for impeachments, any future state executive can get railroaded.
"He'll be so afraid of taking on the Legislature, to stand in the way of raising taxes or fighting to provide health care for children as I've done, because he's afraid the legislature can do what … they're about to try to do to me," Blagojevich said.
Asked about lawmakers' explanation that they cannot call witnesses because it could jeopardize the criminal case against Blagojevich, the governor responded: "It's very simple, then take criminal allegations out (of the impeachment trial). Allow the U.S. attorney to prosecute that case in court of law. I can't wait to have my day in court to prove my innocence."
Asked if he has considered stepping aside temporarily or resigning outright, Blagojevich said: "Put me aside … It's whether or not a legislature can have an illegal, farce impeachment process to throw government out."
In a separate interview, Blagojevich compared his arrest to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
"Dec. 9 to my family, to us, to me, is what Pearl Harbor Day was to the United States," Gov. Rod Blagojevich said in an interview with The Associated Press. "It was a complete surprise, completely unexpected. And just like the United States prevailed in that, we'll prevail in this."
Blagojevich is still considering going to court to block the impeachment trial, but he's also appealing to the public for support.
CHICAGO (CBS/AP) - Gov. Rod Blagojevich said Friday morning that state legislators are trying to get him out of office quickly so that they can raise taxes.
Blagojevich spoke for more than 40 minutes on a local Chicago radio show early Friday, a day after the station's program director offered him a radio show if he resigns. The governor says he's done nothing wrong and has no intention of stepping down.
Blagojevich has been impeached by the state House and faces an impeachment trial in the Senate starting Monday that could end with his removal.
He says as soon as he's gone, state lawmakers will pass a "huge" income tax increase.
On Thursday, Blagojevich and his attorney Sam Adam Jr. spoke with CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine. They say they will not be at the impeachment trial when it begins.
"To deny due process to any citizen, however high or low that citizen might be, and do a rush to judgment (and) not give me a chance to have witnesses is wrong," Blagojevich said. "I'm not going to be a party to something like that, and whatever the consequences are to me, I'll face those, because the larger issues at stake is the fundamental rights citizens in our country."
"We'd love to work with them and have rules fair, so we can aggressively who that I've done nothing wrong, and have done about everything right," the governor added.
Blagojevich argued that without proper procedures for impeachments, any future state executive can get railroaded.
"He'll be so afraid of taking on the Legislature, to stand in the way of raising taxes or fighting to provide health care for children as I've done, because he's afraid the legislature can do what … they're about to try to do to me," Blagojevich said.
Asked about lawmakers' explanation that they cannot call witnesses because it could jeopardize the criminal case against Blagojevich, the governor responded: "It's very simple, then take criminal allegations out (of the impeachment trial). Allow the U.S. attorney to prosecute that case in court of law. I can't wait to have my day in court to prove my innocence."
Asked if he has considered stepping aside temporarily or resigning outright, Blagojevich said: "Put me aside … It's whether or not a legislature can have an illegal, farce impeachment process to throw government out."
In a separate interview, Blagojevich compared his arrest to the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941.
"Dec. 9 to my family, to us, to me, is what Pearl Harbor Day was to the United States," Gov. Rod Blagojevich said in an interview with The Associated Press. "It was a complete surprise, completely unexpected. And just like the United States prevailed in that, we'll prevail in this."
Blagojevich is still considering going to court to block the impeachment trial, but he's also appealing to the public for support.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Governor’s Statement to Press from this Morning, January 22, 2009
From the Office of Governor Rod Blagojevich
CHICAGO – “I want to make a brief statement and then I’ll have more to say about this either today or tomorrow. It’s my understanding that Senator Cullerton has said I’m being defiant because my lawyers have refused to participate in a sham impeachment trial. Let me be very clear, this has nothing to do with defiance on my part and everything to do with respect for the Office of the Governor. What the Senate and House are trying to do is to thwart the will of the people and remove a governor elected twice by the people without a fair hearing, without due process, and without giving me the right - the most basic right every citizen in our country has - and that is the right to call witnesses. I’d like to call, for example, Rahm Emmanuel, President Obama’s Chief of Staff, who on 'Face the Nation' just last Sunday, made it very clear nothing inappropriate happened in his conversations with me, about who the next Senate pick is. I want the Senate to agree to let me call witnesses like that, and we want them to work with us to have a fair hearing, a fair process. My lawyers have chosen not to participate in the impeachment process in the Senate because they believe, rightfully so, that the rules which don’t allow me, as the governor, to call witnesses are unfair, and deny fundamental due process. You can’t possibly defend yourself when they say you did something and they don't let you call witnesses to say you didn't do it. I’ll have more to say later.”
Friday, January 9, 2009
Illinois Alliance for Growth Statement on the Impeachment
From the Illinois Alliance for Growth
(Springfield, Ill.) “Impeachment of an executive branch officer is the political equivalent of the nuclear option and should not be used to resolve policy differences or for political pay back. While I believe that Governor Blagojevich should be removed from office for issues related to his criminal complaint, the process upon which that occurs should be above reproach,” said Illinois Alliance for Growth President Greg Blankenship.
“Impeaching the Governor for defying the obscure Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; prescription drug reimportation and “agency efficiency initiatives” does not rise to the level of impeachment let alone seriousness,” continued Blankenship. ”Governor Blagojevich has put his political desires above the rule of law and instead of restoring that rule of law the General Assembly, controlled by governor’s own party, has put its political desires above the rule of law.”
“I call on all those who believe that the rule of law should be above politics in the Illinois State Senate to ensure that the trial of Governor Blagojevich be a fair, impartial hearing in which the governor is allowed an adequate defense and that he be judged on the merits of the case not politics. Should the State Senate continue the effort to politically railroad an even deservedly removable governor, they run the risk of running afoul of Illinoisans’ – as well as America’s — sense of fair play by making an individual meriting removal into a victim. And no one wants that,” concluded Blankenship.The Illinois Alliance for Growth is a non-profit, non-partisan taxpayer protection group dedicated to economic growth and limited government. You can find out more about the Illinois Alliance for Growth at www.all4growth.org.
(Springfield, Ill.) “Impeachment of an executive branch officer is the political equivalent of the nuclear option and should not be used to resolve policy differences or for political pay back. While I believe that Governor Blagojevich should be removed from office for issues related to his criminal complaint, the process upon which that occurs should be above reproach,” said Illinois Alliance for Growth President Greg Blankenship.
“Impeaching the Governor for defying the obscure Joint Committee on Administrative Rules; prescription drug reimportation and “agency efficiency initiatives” does not rise to the level of impeachment let alone seriousness,” continued Blankenship. ”Governor Blagojevich has put his political desires above the rule of law and instead of restoring that rule of law the General Assembly, controlled by governor’s own party, has put its political desires above the rule of law.”
“I call on all those who believe that the rule of law should be above politics in the Illinois State Senate to ensure that the trial of Governor Blagojevich be a fair, impartial hearing in which the governor is allowed an adequate defense and that he be judged on the merits of the case not politics. Should the State Senate continue the effort to politically railroad an even deservedly removable governor, they run the risk of running afoul of Illinoisans’ – as well as America’s — sense of fair play by making an individual meriting removal into a victim. And no one wants that,” concluded Blankenship.The Illinois Alliance for Growth is a non-profit, non-partisan taxpayer protection group dedicated to economic growth and limited government. You can find out more about the Illinois Alliance for Growth at www.all4growth.org.
Burzynski Prepared to Conduct Impeachment Trial of Blagojevich
From the Office of State Senator Brad Burzynski
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Senator Brad Burzynski (R-Rochelle) said he and colleagues in the Illinois Senate are fully prepared to conduct the trail of Gov. Rod Blagojevich following the impeachment proceedings in the Illinois House.
"Conducting the Governor's impeachment trial is a duty I'll undertake with extreme seriousness," Sen. Burzynski said. "This is an unprecedented time, which makes it important that we act in an open and fair manner moving forward."
Sen. Burzynski emphasized that the House vote to impeach the Governor does not remove Gov. Blagojevich from office – that decision falls to the Senate, which is tentatively scheduled to begin its trial during the last week of January.
Given the wide scope and intricate detail of the allegations against Gov. Blagojevich, Sen. Burzynski said it will be important to be thorough during this trial so the people of Illinois know the depth and magnitude these charges run. From combining campaign contributions and official state business, to illegally expanding healthcare without authority and up to the allegation of trying to sell President-Elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat, Sen. Burzynski said the Senate has a lot of ground to cover.
With the various allegations that have come to light surrounding the Governor, Sen. Burzynski said it underscored the need for greater transparency in Illinois government.
"While we have to deal with the problems before us today, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't also look at the types of practices that put us in this situation," Sen. Burzynski said. "The days of secret budget bargaining, insider deals and pay-to-play needs to end. Moving forward, we need to recognize that this is the beginning of changing unethical practices in state government."
An overview and detailed explanation of the impeachment process can be found at http://www.impeachment.senategop.net/
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Senator Brad Burzynski (R-Rochelle) said he and colleagues in the Illinois Senate are fully prepared to conduct the trail of Gov. Rod Blagojevich following the impeachment proceedings in the Illinois House.
"Conducting the Governor's impeachment trial is a duty I'll undertake with extreme seriousness," Sen. Burzynski said. "This is an unprecedented time, which makes it important that we act in an open and fair manner moving forward."
Sen. Burzynski emphasized that the House vote to impeach the Governor does not remove Gov. Blagojevich from office – that decision falls to the Senate, which is tentatively scheduled to begin its trial during the last week of January.
Given the wide scope and intricate detail of the allegations against Gov. Blagojevich, Sen. Burzynski said it will be important to be thorough during this trial so the people of Illinois know the depth and magnitude these charges run. From combining campaign contributions and official state business, to illegally expanding healthcare without authority and up to the allegation of trying to sell President-Elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat, Sen. Burzynski said the Senate has a lot of ground to cover.
With the various allegations that have come to light surrounding the Governor, Sen. Burzynski said it underscored the need for greater transparency in Illinois government.
"While we have to deal with the problems before us today, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't also look at the types of practices that put us in this situation," Sen. Burzynski said. "The days of secret budget bargaining, insider deals and pay-to-play needs to end. Moving forward, we need to recognize that this is the beginning of changing unethical practices in state government."
An overview and detailed explanation of the impeachment process can be found at http://www.impeachment.senategop.net/
Statement from Secretary of State Jesse White Regarding Illinois Supreme Court Decision
From the Office of Secretary of State Jesse White
I want to thank the Illinois Supreme Court for their ruling today. They have affirmed what Attorney General Lisa Madigan and I have maintained all along: that I have fulfilled my legal obligations regarding the appointment of Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate.
I want to remind everyone that on December 31, 2008 as Secretary of State I registered the appointment in accordance with state law. That document did not include my signature or the State Seal. As the Illinois Supreme Court ruled today, that act alone fulfilled my legal obligations.
I want to be clear that I could not and will not in good conscious sign my name to any appointment made by Governor Rod Blagojevich to fill the senate vacancy. This governor was arrested in part for trying to sell this very same senate seat. The Illinois Supreme Court has made it clear in it’s ruling that I am under no legal or constitutional obligation to affix my signature.
As I have maintained all along, the ultimate decision to seat or not seat a Senate appointment lies with the U.S. Senate.
I want to thank the Illinois Supreme Court for their ruling today. They have affirmed what Attorney General Lisa Madigan and I have maintained all along: that I have fulfilled my legal obligations regarding the appointment of Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate.
I want to remind everyone that on December 31, 2008 as Secretary of State I registered the appointment in accordance with state law. That document did not include my signature or the State Seal. As the Illinois Supreme Court ruled today, that act alone fulfilled my legal obligations.
I want to be clear that I could not and will not in good conscious sign my name to any appointment made by Governor Rod Blagojevich to fill the senate vacancy. This governor was arrested in part for trying to sell this very same senate seat. The Illinois Supreme Court has made it clear in it’s ruling that I am under no legal or constitutional obligation to affix my signature.
As I have maintained all along, the ultimate decision to seat or not seat a Senate appointment lies with the U.S. Senate.
Blagojevich Says Impeachment Expected
From the Chicago Tribune
Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich said today the Illinois House's impeachment vote was expected and part of a years-long battle against him.
"It happened kind of fast," the governor said of the vote. "But again, kind of expected. And part of the process that has been the dynamic in Illinois."
"From the very moment of my re-election I've been engaged in a struggle with the House to get things done for people," he said. "The House has stood in the way of letting that happen."
The House voted 114-1-1 today to impeach Blagojevich for a wide array of offenses, including criminal corruption and wasting taxpayer money. The Senate is scheduled to convene a trial in little more than two weeks.
The news conference came after Blagojevich went for a jog in his North Side neighborhood this morning as the House debated impeachment. When the governor got back from his run he compared his situation to long-distance running.
Blagojevich returned from his jog about 11:10 a.m. to a welcoming party of cameras and reporters. But when reporters asked for his response to the impeachment vote, the governor remained focused on his workout.
"How's the pace?" he said. "Pace is good, huh? Seven miles. It was a good run."
Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich said today the Illinois House's impeachment vote was expected and part of a years-long battle against him.
"It happened kind of fast," the governor said of the vote. "But again, kind of expected. And part of the process that has been the dynamic in Illinois."
"From the very moment of my re-election I've been engaged in a struggle with the House to get things done for people," he said. "The House has stood in the way of letting that happen."
The House voted 114-1-1 today to impeach Blagojevich for a wide array of offenses, including criminal corruption and wasting taxpayer money. The Senate is scheduled to convene a trial in little more than two weeks.
The news conference came after Blagojevich went for a jog in his North Side neighborhood this morning as the House debated impeachment. When the governor got back from his run he compared his situation to long-distance running.
Blagojevich returned from his jog about 11:10 a.m. to a welcoming party of cameras and reporters. But when reporters asked for his response to the impeachment vote, the governor remained focused on his workout.
"How's the pace?" he said. "Pace is good, huh? Seven miles. It was a good run."
Durbin Statement on the Illinois General Assembly Vote to Impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich
From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) made the following statement regarding a 114-1 vote of the Illinois House to impeach Governor Rod Blagojevich:
“The Illinois House of Representatives has done the right thing today in voting to impeach Governor Blagojevich.”
“Beyond guilt or innocence, the allegations in the criminal complaint against Governor Blagojevich raise serious questions about his ability to carry out his duties as chief executive of our state.”
“I urge the Governor to summon the moral strength to put our state and our nation above any personal considerations and resign immediately.”
Statement from Sec. of State Jesse White on Impeachment of Gov. Blagojevich
From the Office of Secretary of State Jesse White
Since the day Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested, I have been calling for him to step aside or resign. Unfortunately, the Governor has refused to put the people of Illinois first and do the right thing.
I have closely monitored the progress of the House Special Investigative Committee and today’s vote to impeach the Governor. I applaud their efforts to ensure that the process was handled fairly and professionally.
While it is a sad day for the state of Illinois, this is a necessary first step toward restoring integrity to our great state.
Since the day Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested, I have been calling for him to step aside or resign. Unfortunately, the Governor has refused to put the people of Illinois first and do the right thing.
I have closely monitored the progress of the House Special Investigative Committee and today’s vote to impeach the Governor. I applaud their efforts to ensure that the process was handled fairly and professionally.
While it is a sad day for the state of Illinois, this is a necessary first step toward restoring integrity to our great state.
Governor Blagojevich to hold Press Conference at 2:00 p.m.
It has been reported that Governor Blagojevich will hold a press conference today at 2:00 p.m.
Stay tuned for more details as they become available.
Stay tuned for more details as they become available.
Governor Blagojevich Impeached by House of Representatives
This morning, the Illinois House of Representatives voted 114-1-1 to impeach Governor Rod Blagojevich.
Rep. Milton Patterson (D-Chicago) cast the one "no" vote.
Rep. Elga Jefferies (D-Chicago) voted "present."
Rep. Milton Patterson (D-Chicago) cast the one "no" vote.
Rep. Elga Jefferies (D-Chicago) voted "present."
Blagojevich Impeachment Moves to Full House, Senate Trial Begins January 26
The debate over impeaching Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich moves to the Illinois House of Representatives today. The debate begins at 9 AM. Not only are most members of the Illinois media gathered in the state capitol today, but so are many national media outlets.
But while the proceedings will last for some hours in all likelihood, the vote is a foregone conclusion. No one expects to the Governor to get much support in the House of Representatives. Due to the inauguration of President-Elect Obama, the Senate will not take up the trial of the Governor until January 26. The trial in the Senate is expected to last approximately 9 to 10 days.
If all goes according to the current timetable, Gov. Blagojevich could be removed from office around February 4th.
But while the proceedings will last for some hours in all likelihood, the vote is a foregone conclusion. No one expects to the Governor to get much support in the House of Representatives. Due to the inauguration of President-Elect Obama, the Senate will not take up the trial of the Governor until January 26. The trial in the Senate is expected to last approximately 9 to 10 days.
If all goes according to the current timetable, Gov. Blagojevich could be removed from office around February 4th.
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