Illinois leaders ponder what to do with governor
By DEANNA BELLANDI and CHRISTOPHER WILLS
Associated Press
… It was unclear what incentive the governor had to give up his office. A resignation might make him appear guilty. The office also gives him a certain amount of clout, which can help him raise money for his defense. [State Senator] Radogno said it’s possible Blagojevich would use his resignation as a bargaining chip with prosecutors and agree to step down in exchange for leniency …
I have read some nutty things in my life, but this comment tops the list. Two days ago, we read that the Governor of Illinois was using his power to appoint Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate successor for personal gain. There was even an "interactive graphic" in the New York Times showing the various options he proposed – a Federal appointment, a 501-C-4, Board appointments for his wife, Campaign Contributions, etc. Now, he’s going to work business as usual. and we hear that he has no incentive to give up office. Christine Radogno, the Republican Minority leader of the Illinois Senate, tells us that he needs an incentive to step down – that he may use his resignation as a bargaining chip for leniency. It appears that in Illinois, political power has become a personal currency to be used at the bargaining table.
It hardly seems to me that including Governor Rod Blagojevich in the negotiations about how to get him out of office quickly makes any sense at all – since the whole point of this saga is about the abuse of power. I’d recommend a contingency of armed guards as an alternative to bartering. If you get caught cheating in Las Vegas, they don’t sit down and talk to you about what it will take to get you to leave the Casino.
I have missed reading your blog over the last couple of weeks. I’ve been studying for a big certification exam so have just not had time to do much other than that. After tomorrow though, I can get caught up. I think there is a lot to catch up on!
A certified Smoooochie! Welcome back…