State mulls governor’s fate in US
Güncelleme Tarihi:
AP
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Aralık 12, 2008 00:00
CHICAGO - Illinois state officials pondered reducing Gov. Rod Blagojevich's power or forcing him from office amid an intensifying criminal investigation into his alleged efforts to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.
The embattled governor of Illinois has ignored calls that he resign - including one from Obama himself - and is clinging defiantly to power despite the allegations.
Blagojevich was released on bond and reported to work Wednesday after his Tuesday arrest by the FBI. Yesterday, Illinois attorney general threatened to go to the state Supreme Court to have Blagojevich declared unfit to hold office if he doesn't resign soon. Attorney General Lisa Madigan told CNN she is prepared to take action. Madigan said she "won't wait terribly long."
Also yesterday, Lt Gov. Patrick Quinn told NBC's "Today" show that if he's made governor, he may opt to appoint Obama's Senate replacement rather than wait for a special election. He told NBC that he's generally in favor of letting voters choose public officials.
Legislative leaders planned a special session Monday to strip Blagojevich of his power to pick a new U.S. senator, putting the decision in the hands of Illinois voters instead of the governor. Lawmakers also prepared to discuss the possibility of impeachment, and the attorney general researched whether there is any way to declare Blagojevich unfit to hold office. "I just don't foresee him being the governor indefinitely with this cloud hanging over him," Republican Sen. Christine Radogno said. "There is an awful lot of impetus to move him out of the way."
Blagojevich was released on bond and reported to work Wednesday after his Tuesday arrest by the FBI. Yesterday, Illinois attorney general threatened to go to the state Supreme Court to have Blagojevich declared unfit to hold office if he doesn't resign soon. Attorney General Lisa Madigan told CNN she is prepared to take action. Madigan said she "won't wait terribly long."
Also yesterday, Lt Gov. Patrick Quinn told NBC's "Today" show that if he's made governor, he may opt to appoint Obama's Senate replacement rather than wait for a special election. He told NBC that he's generally in favor of letting voters choose public officials.
Legislative leaders planned a special session Monday to strip Blagojevich of his power to pick a new U.S. senator, putting the decision in the hands of Illinois voters instead of the governor. Lawmakers also prepared to discuss the possibility of impeachment, and the attorney general researched whether there is any way to declare Blagojevich unfit to hold office. "I just don't foresee him being the governor indefinitely with this cloud hanging over him," Republican Sen. Christine Radogno said. "There is an awful lot of impetus to move him out of the way."