Illinois House of Representatives Voted Almost Unanimously-To Impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich

The Illinois House of Representatives voted almost unanimously-To impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who faces federal corruption allegations. The vote was over whelming at 114-1, with three representatives not voting. The Illinois legislative committee unanimously recommended impeaching Gov. Blagojevich amidst corruption allegations.

The next step will be that the issue now moves to the state Senate, which will try the case and then the decision will be made whether to remove Gov. Blagojevich from office or let him continue his term.

Gov. Blagojevich was arrested last month after federal prosecutors alleged, among other things, that he tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat that President-elect Barack Obama vacated. Alleged really isn’t a good word, in this case they do have witnesses and have him on tape…I think his goose is pretty well cooked.

Republicans and Democrats are up in arms of these shenanigans. “Today is the day that we begin to give back democracy to the people of the state of Illinois,” Democratic Rep. Jack Franks, a panel member, said as he cast his aye vote Thursday night. Blagojevich “has been AWOL and derelict of his duties. He has abused his powers, and he has brought shame to this great state.  I believe that Rod Blagojevich is a liar, and I believe he is a thief. He has stolen the trust of the people,” Jack Franks continued.

Blagojevich denies any wrongdoing and has rejected calls for his resignation.

“I would have appreciated it if he had stepped aside, and we would not have been made the laughingstock of the country,” said Rep. Mary Flowers, another Democrat. She noted, however, that the governor is “innocent until proven guilty.”

The 21-member committee decided to look into Blagojevich’s behavior and actions on a number of issues, way beyond the federal allegations…including one allegation he withheld state money from a children’s hospital until he personally received a $50,000 campaign donation.

Another representative, Rep. Chapin Rose, a Republican, called the alleged behavior “repugnant.” I guess that is one of those politically correct statements…to my…”There is a skunk in the wood pile…

Rep. Chapin Rose, goes on to say, “The report speaks for itself and contains many, many, many acts that I find, and most of my colleagues find, to be impeachable. The evidence is overwhelmingly damning,” Rose said.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald initiated a criminal complaint against Gov. Rod Blagojevich, after listening to wiretaps of  phone conversations.Gov. Blagojevich was then arrested December 9, 2008, but has not been indicted yet. Fitzgerald has until April 7, 2009 to decide whether to charge Gov. Blagojevich.

For more information on Illinois House of Representatives Voted Almost Unanimously-To Impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich turn to CNN News.

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