WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderLawmakers Question Blagojevich's Motive to Name U.S. Senator

Lawmakers Question Blagojevich's Motive to Name U.S. Senator

By Laura Gibbs

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich continues to be the subject of possible impeachment proceedings, which is why some argue he had no right to name anyone to the open U.S. Senate seat.

But that's what he did Tuesday, appointing former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the spot. His actions have both Republicans and Democrats in agreement. Most were under the assumption that the fill-in would be selected during a special election.

State Representative Jim Sacia (R-Pecatonica) tells 13 News, "There's no question that this appointment is tainted. There's all kinds of ramifications involved with this."

Winnebago County Democrats Chair Dan Lewandowski states, "I wish that Governor Blagojevich would have done the right thing for Illinois and that would be step aside."

But there's no guarantee that Blagojevich's pick will make it very far. Burris' character and political background isn't in question. It's Blagojevich's defiance that's got lawmakers upset. Democratic Senators called on Blagojevich not to make an appointment. Today Illinois Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn says it's time the governor gets the message that nobody's tolerating his antics.

Quinn states, "He's contradicting himself. I think the people of Illinois are entitled to a Governor who is able to make an appointment to the United States Senate without any kind of shadow over that Governor."

Quinn urged the Illinois House and the Illinois Senate to move quickly to remove Blagojevich. State Representative Jim Sacia sits on the impeachment committee. He says this latest twist doesn't change anything.  Sacia states, "Our committees efforts are attempting to determine if Governor Blagojevich should be impeached."

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White says he refuses to certify any pick by Blagojevich.