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Moffitt: Blago Still Needs to Resign, or At Least Step Aside
A local lawmaker says apparently the rumors that the Governor might seriously consider stepping down after being arrested on federal charges were just that -- rumors.

State Representative Don Moffitt says he's not sure Governor Rod Blagojevich understands that state operations really can't function while he's under indictment on charges accusing him of trying to sell President-Elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.

Moffitt tells WGIL aside from the current budget and other problems the state still has to deal with, there's a lot of other the Governor has to do right now, and really can't. "(It will be) soon time for the State of the State Address, for the budget address, to be planning for the next budget," Moffitt said. "Under the current circumstances, whether or not it's right or wrong -- in the Governor's side he's innocent, and it's certainly his opportunity to defend itself -- but if it paralyzes state government, that's what I'm concerned about."

Moffitt says it would be nice if the Governor simply just stepped aside, not resign, and let Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn deal with the day-to-day operations of the state, that would be a good thing, especially so Blagojevich can focus on his defense.

The Gilson Republican says it's probably good that the Governor is signing bills and doing some work while indicted, but when it comes time to work with lawmakers in Springfield again, the feeling of distrust will make that impossible.
12 19 08 by Newsroom
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