More on Blago's Impending Impeachment

By Kevin Robinson in News on Jul 3, 2008 1:00PM

State Rep Jack Franks fired a new salvo in the battle to take Blago out of office late Wednesday night. Noting that Blagojevich has the power to balance the budget without ordering the General Assembly back to session next week, he charged that the governor is exhibiting a lack of leadership. "He won't compromise. He threatens layoffs and cuts to social programs," Franks said. "It's just a game to him. ... He won't make hard choices." Franks is pushing for the House to form a special committee to determine if there is enough evidence to impeach the governor.

State representatives have complete discretion when it comes to impeachment. If they determine that there is enough evidence to begin proceedings, a trial in the senate will follow. House Speaker Mike Madigan circulated a talking-points memo earlier last month laying out reasons to investigate Blago's possible misdeeds.

Blagojevich dismissed talk of impeachment. "I think it's a sideshow and ridiculous and I think they need to do the right thing and pass their revenue so they can have a balanced budget, which is a constitutional requirement," Blagojevich told CBS2.

"It's time for the speaker to join the rest of the legislative leaders who have been working with the governor to pass a capital bill that will put thousands of people to work," Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff told the media yesterday.