Rod Blagojevich needs to go. For the good of the state of Illinois, for the good of the U.S. Senate seat he is charged with appointing (and that the U.S. Senate likely will not admit if Rod makes the appointment) and for the good of the Democratic Party, Rod Blagojevich needs to go.
He won't resign.
He needs to be impeached.
And he can be impeached. But the relevant people need to be pushed to impeach Rod Blagojevich, and do it swiftly. Below the fold, some work we all can do to get impeachment proceedings rolling immediately.
Per the Illinois constitution, the governor can be removed as follows:
SECTION 5. SESSIONS
(b) The Governor may convene the General Assembly or the Senate alone in special session by a proclamation stating the purpose of the session; and only business encompassed by such purpose, together with any impeachments or confirmation of appointments shall be transacted. Special sessions of the General Assembly may also be convened by joint proclamation of the presiding officers of both houses, issued as provided by law. [...]
SECTION 14. IMPEACHMENT
The House of Representatives has the sole power to conduct legislative investigations to determine the existence of cause for impeachment and, by the vote of a majority of the members elected, to impeach Executive and Judicial officers. Impeachments shall be tried by the Senate. When sitting for that purpose, Senators shall be upon oath, or affirmation, to do justice according to law. If the Governor is tried, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court shall preside. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of two-thirds of the Senators elected. Judgment shall not extend beyond removal from office and disqualification to hold any public office of this State. An impeached officer, whether convicted or acquitted, shall be liable to prosecution, trial, judgment and punishment according to law.
So...a majority of the House, followed by two-thirds of the Senate. It can be done for any reason. There is ample reason to do it now.
How?
What needs to be done is to demand from Illinois's State Representatives and Senators to vote for the impeachment and removal of Governor Rod Blagojevich. State Rep. John Fritchey has said he's requested "immediate" impeachment proceedings against the governor, but House Speaker Mike Madigan has yet to schedule hearings about an impeachment bill.
Here's where we can act. Call Mike Madigan's offices, either his District office in Chicago at (773) 581-8000, or his Capitol office in Springfield at (217) 782-5350. Politely, but firmly demand an immediate move to impeach the governor.
Do the same for retiring Senate President Emil Jones. His Capitol office number is (217) 782-2728, and his district office number in Chicago is (773) 995-7748. Call the incoming Senate President John Cullerton at his District office in Chicago at (773) 883-0770 or his Capital office in Springfield at (217) 782-7260. Demand from these men their support not only to schedule immediate impeachment hearings but their commitment to vote for the removal of Rod Blagojevich.
Madigan would almost certainly vote to impeach the governor as the two men loathe each other. A few months ago, he was asked what it would take to impeach the governor and replied simply "sixty votes." Jones, long an ally of Blagojevich, might have to be nudged (though given the events of the past couple of days, maybe not).
The two leaders are key to a rapid impeachment process. Enough calls -- especially by Illinois residents -- may spur them to move.
They may also respond to pressure put on their caucuses. If you live in Illinois, try calling your state representative and state senator (the directory is here) and ask them to commit to impeaching Rod Blagojevich.
This may seem like a torch-carrying mob rather than an exercise in due process. The immediate issues detailed by federal prosecutors, however, are merely the tip of the iceberg. For the past two years, Rod Blagojevich has demonstrated such a poor ability to manage the state's affairs (especially its budget) that an impeachment vote on competence alone would be justified. That he has added to his sorry record with attempts to shake down Children's Memorial Hospital and sell the vacant U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder makes his immediate removal necessary.
The Illinois General Assembly can make that removal happen, but they need to be given the impetus to act with courage. We can provide that impetus.
Call. Be polite, but firm. Rod Blagojevich needs to be impeached and removed from office.
Before Christmas. As soon as possible. Illinois needs to step up and turn the page on this sorry chapter so we can move forward and start cleaning up the mess under Lt. Governor Pat Quinn.
That's worth a telephone call.