End of Blagojevich, but will politics change?

A monumental chapter was written in the history books of Illinois government on Thursday as members of the Illinois Senate voted unanimously to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office.

But even after weeks of embarrassment over the allegations against our governor, which thrust Illinois into a national spotlight, it didn't exactly seem like a moment to celebrate.

Yes, Blagojevich is gone, and the Senate also voted that he would never be allowed to hold office again. But it was a sad day that the affairs in our state have come to this: That lawmakers would have to use their impeachment powers to remove a governor accused of widespread corruption.

Blagojevich's impassioned speech was convincing. He made his case as a caring, hard-working son of blue collar parents who had climbed his way to the top and could be accused only of pushing a little too hard to defend other hard-working people.

But his speech was too little and too late for lawmakers. They didn't forget the allegations by federal authorities that he tried to sell a U.S. Senate seat or the taped phonecalls they heard earlier in the week in which Blagojevich tried to orchestrate a large campaign contribution in exchange for his signature on a bill.

And despite begging in the national media for time to explain those tapes, as well as other allegations, Blagojevich didn't offer a full explanation when he had the chance.

Now, new Gov. Pat Quinn, who is known as a political outsider, steps in as the state's new governor. He and Blagojevich were elected on separate tickets, as required by Illinois law, but united as a team in the general election. And so, even though Quinn isn't always taken seriously by the political establishment, that probably makes him the best man for the job at this moment.

Let's hope. With the state's fiscal crisis, he has an enormous task in front of him.

But the bigger question is whether Illinois politicians will do anything to change the culture that brought our highest elected official to this point. It was easy to eliminate Blagojevich for his flaws that were so numbered and so glaring no one could argue. But will they expend as much effort cleaning up campaign finance laws and the underlying culture of corruption among politicians?

What did you think of the Senate hearings? Were you swayed by Blagojevich's words? And will Pat Quinn be able to handle the task set before him?

Comment about it here.

On a personal note, this will be my last blog entry for The Sun. I have enjoyed my time interacting with readers through this blog, but I am moving on to another opportunity.