Peoria, IL…State Representative David Leitch (R-Peoria) applauds the Illinois State Senate for their decision to remove Democrat Governor Rod Blagojevich from office based on several impeachable offenses including a blatant abuse of power, as well as federal corruption charges. The Senate voted overwhelmingly to impeach Governor Blagojevich following a week-long impeachment trial under the stewardship of Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald.
The Senate heard testimony from FBI agent Daniel Cain regarding the criminal affidavit as well as the positive voice identification of Governor Blagojevich on the recorded phone calls. The Senate also listened to tape recordings of the Governor discussing a pay-to-play scheme involving a horse racing law in exchange for a campaign contribution.
Although Governor Blagojevich refused to participate in the Senate’s impeachment trial until the last day of the hearings, calling it unfair and fixed, Rep. Leitch believes the process was extremely fair and pointed out that both the Governor and the Senate had ample opportunity to make their case and call specific witnesses that would not hinder the federal criminal investigation.
“Instead of participating in the process, Blagojevich has made a mockery of our state by launching a national media tour exhibiting his arrogance and corruption to the whole world. He is a cancer to the people of Illinois; one that has now been excised” Rep. Leitch said.
Among the impeachable offenses considered by the Senate trial included: attempting to sell the vacant U.S. Senate seat of President Barack Obama for personal gain; attempting to withhold state money for Children’s Memorial Hospital for a campaign contribution, expanding the state’s healthcare system without legislative approval; demanding the Chicago Tribune Company fire an editorial writer in exchange for state funds; wasting millions of dollars purchasing illegal flu shots; and selling state contracts and appointments for campaign contributions.
“We simply cannot allow corruption and political greed to control the agenda of Illinois government any longer,” Rep. Leitch said.
“With billions in unpaid Medicaid bills, roads in desperate need of repair, and state government grinding to a standstill, it’s time to return to Illinois’ most pressing issues. The people of Illinois deserve our full attention. Now that Blagojevich has been removed from office, we need to address the hard work of trying to pay down the unprecedented state debt accrued under the Blagojevich Administration,” Rep. Leitch said.