The Illinois House today voted to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich, sending the matter to the Senate, which will put the governor on trial to determine whether to remove him from office.
After the historic 114-1 vote, Blagojevich said the move was expected and ignored requests to resign from office.
Illinois has been thrust into the national spotlight since the Dec. 9 arrest of Blagojevich on federal corruption charges, including allegations he tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat held by President-elect Barack Obama.
When the Senate convenes next week, it will begin the process of setting up a trial in which the the 59 members of the upper chamber will act as judge and jurors. If removed from office, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn would be named the state's new chief executive.
So, what do you think about all of this? It seems that Blagojevich is taking it all in stride. In fact, a Chicago Tribune photographer snapped a photo of him jogging about the same time the House was debating his fate.
With one former governor in prison on corruption charges and a sitting governor facing federal charges, will Illinois be able to restore its reputation as the home of a more honest forefather who gave us the name the "Land of Lincoln"?
And what about Roland Burris who seems to be finding his way into the U.S. Senate, despite all the promises by Democrats that they wouldn't seat anyone appointed by Blagojevich?
Could Illinois' political situation be in any more turmoil? At least one person is hoping this will all blow over as soon as possible: Obama. He would like to scoot through the inauguration without this dark cloud hanging over his home state.
Emily Neal is a 30-something wife and stay-at-home mom in Bolingbrook with three children. She also has a long history as a journalist.
President-elect Obama said Governor Blagojevich should resign. Senator Durbin said the people of the state of Illinois should choose Illinois’ next Senator via a special election. Senator Harry Reid said he wouldn’t admit any appointee by Governor Blagojevich. This fake outrage stunk of the political sewer President-elect Obama crawled out of in Illinois. Like then candidate for President Obama said, “just words, just speeches.” Unfortunately, our Islamic terrorist enemies also know how phonies like President-elect Obama are all talk and pose them no real threat.