Blagojevich says impeachment is a plot to have new governor raise taxes

Gov. Rod Blagojevich finally spoke out on his impending impeachment, which begins next week.

Earlier this morning he talked with morning radio hosts on WLS-AM. Playing the victim card, Blago said this impeachment proceedings are nothing more than a plot to raise income and sales taxes on the people of Illinois by May. Blago claimed that Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has cut a deal with the Democrats in charge of the legislature to get rid of the embattled governor. Of course earlier this month Blago told the press the House has conspired against him because they didn't like the way he was trying to help the common man.

It is entirely possible the Democrats in Springfield are conspiring against him. It's no secret that Blagojevich and Democratic leaders in the legislature, particularly House Speaker Mike Madigan, have a poor relationship. However, it is more likely the Democrats want to get rid of Blagojevich because he is an ineffective governor and chances are there will be a backlash in the next gubernatorial election which could return Republicans to the governor's office.

Blagojevich did not address any of the charges against him - like attempting to sell the Senate seat of President Barack Obama (now Roland Burris), pay to play scams and threatening the editorial board of the Chicago Tribune.

In an interview on Thursday, Blagojevich is also claiming the impeachment proceedings are unfair and unconstitutional because he will not be allowed to call witnesses who would refute the charges he was attempting to sell the Senate seat. In fact, Blago's own attorneys are refusing to represent him in the impeachment proceedings because they are claiming the proceedings are unfair as well.

Blago believes he is the victim of apolitical conspiracy, but in reality the victim is the population of Illinois which deserves good, open government - something that will be a long time coming given the state of politics in Illinois.