WHAT’s NEXT FOR ROD BLAGOJEVICH

// December 10th, 2008 // Hott Look@Politics

numerous scenarios and options

“The Illinois Constitution provides that a governor can temporarily hand power and all duties over to his/her lieutenent governor”

MEMBERS of the media wait for a chance to see Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich leave the federal courthouse after being arrested by FBI agents earlier in the morning at his home December 9, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. Blagojevich was arrested on charges of attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama for money and favors. Blagojevich’s predecessor George Ryan is currently serving time in a federal prison for corruption.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich leaves the federal courthouse after being arrested by FBI agents earlier in the morning at his home December 9, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois. Blagojevich was arrested on charges of attempting to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama for money and favors. Blagojevich’s predecessor George Ryan is currently serving time in a federal prison for corruption.

By John Charles Reedburg

Reap, what you so.

Quad Cities, IL — As Illinois Gov. ROD BLAGOJEVICH (D) returned to work Wednesday morning, lawmakers, pundits and the press contemplated the biggest question following Tuesday’s charges– what next?

As of Wednesday afternoon, and following a call for his resignation from President-elect Barack Obama, Blagojevich was back at work, meaning he continues to hold the power to appoint Obama’s successor to the Senate, along with all other gubernatorial powers.

However, a number of scenarios, some of which are already playing out, may pave a quick path to either the governor’s removal from office or the removal of his power.

SCENARIO 1 — The governor could temporarily step aside.

The Illinois Constitution provides that a governor can temporarily hand power and all duties over to his/her lieutenent governor if his/her ability to govern is “seriously impeded.” Blagojevich could then resume office by following certain steps.

SCENARIO 2 — The governor could permantly step aside and resign.

If Blagojevich resigns, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn would become Governor of Illinois. This is a move supported by Obama, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and a number of other high-profile state lawmakers.

SCENARIO 3 — State lawmakers could move to impeach.

While the idea of an impeachment didn’t carry much weight before, as the majority of lawmakers likely wouldn’t have taken such a drastic step against the governor, reports now indicate all bets are off. A vote to impeach would need 60 votes in the 118-member House of Representatives and 40 votes (2/3 majority) in the 59-member Senate. Once again, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn would become governor.

SCENARIO 4 — The Wildcard.

The Supreme Court can judge whether or not a govenor can adequately serve in office, and Tuesday, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, after calling for lawmakers in Springfield to begin impeachment procedures, said she’s prepared to move forward with the request if Blagojevich doesn’t resign or lawmakers don’t impeach him.

RESIDENTS in Illinois are reacting to the arrest of their governor on corruption charges. Gov. Rod Blagojevich returned to work Wednesday after being released on bond.