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| Moffitt: Impeachment Proceedings Should Begin Now |
"A sad commentary on the political scene in Illinois." That's how a local lawmaker has reacted to the arrest of Governor Rod Blagojevich on federal corruption charges related to his ability to appoint President-elect Barack Obama's replacement in the U.S. Senate.
State Representative Don Moffitt says if wrongdoing is taking place, he's glad it's being brought out quickly, and that the prosecution is moving ahead, even though it seems to be the culmination of years of investigation of the Governor.
Moffitt tells WGIL there's no way Blagojevich can stay in office now. "We need a strong leader," Moffitt said. "And certainly, a leader that's under investigation -- that's almost makes it impossible for them to lead. So, I hope this moves very fast, and we need to have a Governor -- a person in that position -- who can make decisions, take charge, and keep the state functioning."
The Gilson Republican says he hopes lawmakers will go into special session sooner rather than later in order to address the situation.
Moffitt says he thinks if there is a change in leadership in Springfield, i.e. the Governor resigns or is impeached, many of the problems with the state budget, for instance, could have a better chance of being solved.
Other lawmakers are reacting to the Governor's arrest as well. Congressman Phil Hare has issued a statement saying that the public should let the legal process run its course, but if they are true, they represent "a shameful breach of the public trust." |
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| 12 09 08 by Newsroom |
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