Following a unanimous Senate vote Thursday afternoon, Rod Blagojevich is no longer governor of Illinois. A governor was cast out of office for the first time in Illinois history.
On Thursday Blagojevich appeared before the Senate to plea for his job. He addressed some of his accomplishments as governor, but never talked about the allegations of attempting to sell the former Senate seat of President Barack Obama. Even if he had, it wasn't going to matter. Blago was, as Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass calls him, "Dead Meat."
But, once the House impeached Blagojevich for corruption, his dismissal was a foregone conclusion. Blagojevich had few political allies and powerful enemies within his own party. House Speaker Michael Madigan and his daughter, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan are known foes of the governor and it's no secret that the elder Madigan wants his daughter to seek the state's highest political seat. Around the state though, Blago's removal has been soundly approved by most citizens. Even the cast of Spamalot got into the impeachment action with several Blago jokes inserted into the script during last night's performance.
But just because Blago is gone, that doesn't mean corruption in Illinois is over. On the contrary, corruption is still a real part of Illinois politics. It is up to the people to continue to watch the politicians and make sure they to the line. Gov. Pat Quinn, who was sworn in Thursday afternoon, has made a start by creating an independent ethics panel while he was still lieutenant governor. Ultimately though, it's the responsibility of the people to fight for clean and open government.
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