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Madigan memo outlines impeachment for Gov. (Blagojevich)
Chicago Sun-Times ^ | 06/11/2008 | DAVE MCKINNEY and CHRIS FUSCO

Posted on 06/11/2008 11:27:23 AM PDT by iowamark

(Illinois) House Speaker Michael Madigan has sent a 14-page memo to Democratic legislative candidates that outlines "talking points" in favor of launching "impeachment proceedings" against Gov. Blagojevich.

The memo, obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, refers to corruption under Blagojevich as a "tumor" and notes that "criminal activity in the Blagojevich administration is no longer theoretical -- it is proven."

A Madigan aide said the document is not necessarily reflective of the speaker's personal views but was prepared by House Democratic campaign staff.

"Candidates get incessant questions from the media about the impeachment process. Some asked staff if they could have background and information," Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said.

Reaction from Blagojevich's office was swift.

"This is another example of the pettiness, silliness and backroom games that Speaker Madigan has been playing for months to prevent progress," Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said. "We wish he would drop his behind-the-scenes maneuvering and come to the [legislative] leaders' meetings."

At least one Madigan-backed candidate, Emily McAsey, has incorporated some of the exact language contained in the memo into her campaign material, using some of it as direct quotes attributable to herself. McCasey, who could not be reached, is trying to unseat Rep. Brent Hassert (R-Romeoville).

Last weekend, Madigan confirmed his chief legal counsel had done extensive research on impeachment but declined to say whether Blagojevich would face impeachment or whether he'd even committed an impeachable offense.

Besides highlighting "criminal activity" that surfaced in former Blagojevich fund-raiser Tony Rezko's trial, the memo states the governor has abused his power and "acts like an absentee governor.

"He is largely withdrawn from the legislative process -- spending most of his time hunkered down at home or in a political campaign office in Ravenswood hiding from the public," the document states.

The memo discourages candidates from discussing the speaker's daughter, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, or her "future political plans." She has been mentioned as a potential 2010 candidates for governor.

The document also outlines Blagojevich's "misdeeds and malfeasance" and discusses his "consistently poor judgment and third-class temperament."

The governor's chief legislative ally, Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), lashed out at Madigan for the memo.

"I think it's wrong for the Democratic speaker and Democratic Party chairman to promote the impeachment of a Democratic governor," Jones said in a prepared statement.

"Impeachment is unwarranted in my opinion, and should not be used as a political tool. It is a serious state action that should not be used to divert attention from the issues at hand which are the operating budget and passing a capital bill."


TOPICS: Crime/Corruption; Government; News/Current Events; US: Illinois
KEYWORDS: blagojevich; impeachment; ipeachment; madigan; milorad; obamaland; rats

House Speaker Michael Madigan (right) is circulating a memo to legislative candidates spelling out how they can call for impeachment hearings for Gov. Milorad Blagojevich.
1 posted on 06/11/2008 11:27:23 AM PDT by iowamark
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To: iowamark
Madigan's memo:

http://media1.suntimes.com/multimedia/impeach061008.pdf_20080610_18_24_17_52.imageContent

2 posted on 06/11/2008 11:28:56 AM PDT by iowamark
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To: BillyBoy; chicagolady; fieldmarshaldj; AuH2ORepublican; Kuksool; Norman Bates; LdSentinal; Impy; ...

Is Barack Obama considered a close ally of Blagojevich? If so, than maybe McCain could take advantage of this mess.


3 posted on 06/11/2008 11:32:26 AM PDT by Clintonfatigued (If Islam conquers the world, the Earth will be at peace because the human race will be killed off.)
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To: Clintonfatigued

Hussein and Milorad are joined at the hip. Both are financed by Antoin Rezko.


4 posted on 06/11/2008 11:35:19 AM PDT by iowamark
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To: Clintonfatigued
Blagojevich + Obama
5 posted on 06/11/2008 11:43:43 AM PDT by okie01 (THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: Ignorance on Parade)
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To: Clintonfatigued
Blagojevich + Obama + Rezko
6 posted on 06/11/2008 11:46:40 AM PDT by okie01 (THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA: Ignorance on Parade)
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To: Clintonfatigued

Not really a close ally but they did use the same fundraiser ( Rezko ).


7 posted on 06/11/2008 12:26:24 PM PDT by festus (Tagline removed.)
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To: iowamark

“Hussein and Milorad are joined at the hip. Both are financed by Antoin Rezko.”

One faces impeachment, while the other gets to run for President?


8 posted on 06/11/2008 12:34:27 PM PDT by popdonnelly (Does Obama know ANYONE who likes America, capitalism, or white people?)
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To: popdonnelly

Obama does not (yet) have the executive authority to engage in the really large scale corruption.

It is interesting that he is the first member of the Chicago machine to ever be a serious candidate for President.


9 posted on 06/11/2008 12:56:17 PM PDT by iowamark
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To: iowamark

I’ve hearrd of Blagojevich, but never really knew much about him. Once I read through 5 paragraphs and didn’t see “Republican” mentioned, I knew he was a Democrat. Typical media garbage to hide his Dem affiliation.


10 posted on 06/11/2008 1:28:40 PM PDT by Two Kids' Dad
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To: iowamark

And how’s this for the worst rank partisanship...

“I think it’s wrong for the Democratic speaker and Democratic Party chairman to promote the impeachment of a Democratic governor,” Jones said in a prepared statement.

Unbelievable!


11 posted on 06/11/2008 1:30:06 PM PDT by Two Kids' Dad
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To: Clintonfatigued

Obama’s response “That’s not the Rod Blagojevich I knew”


12 posted on 06/11/2008 1:31:29 PM PDT by NeoCaveman (El Conservo Tribe, tribal name "Avoids Fort Marcy Park". We are so screwed.)
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To: iowamark

Is Blagojevich from Chicago?


13 posted on 06/11/2008 7:04:51 PM PDT by justiceseeker93
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To: justiceseeker93

Yes.


14 posted on 06/11/2008 7:08:43 PM PDT by iowamark
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To: iowamark
This is the first time in state’s history that a Governor has been impeached. Illinois Governor Blagojevich recently impeached by the Illinois House of Representatives by a vote of 114 – 1. He will now have to stand trial for his crimes and, if he's convicted, he will be out on his ear. The Illinois state constitution requires only a simple majority – 60 votes - for an impeachment. 114 were turned in, so it is obvious that the people want him out, just like they want payday loans when they need one. If you want to find out more about payday loans, then your judgment is unimpeachable.
15 posted on 01/25/2009 11:59:29 PM PST by Kendall Q
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