Obama Calls for Blagojevich's Resignation
Liza Porteus Viana
Contributor
Posted:
12/10/08
Well here's the call we knew was coming.
Barack Obama has officially called for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's resignation. I mean, anything short of that
would have seemed odd for the president-elect. After all, this guy allegedly ranks among the grimiest of the grimy when it comes to inappropriately using his office for political gain. Unfortunately, Blagojevich is apparently back in the office today after being released on bail. Just another day... wonder if he's doing anything to celebrate his 52nd birthday today...cupcakes?
Per AP:
"Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said the president-elect agrees with other prominent politicians in Illinois and elsewhere that 'under the current circumstances, it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois.'"
A senior transition source told CNN that Obama believes it's going to be very difficult for Blagojevich to be effective if he stays in office. No kidding?
But the governor's attorney, Sheldon Sorosky, said Tuesday he didn't know of any immediate plans for Blagojevich to step down. He apparently believes he didn't do anything wrong and asks Illinois residents to have faith in him, Sorosky said.
"I suppose we will have to go to trial," he said.
So then, if Blagojevich didn't do anything wrong, was it someone else's voice on all those recordings the feds have of conversations involving someone they say is the governor, attempting to sell Obama's Senate seat, and bribing others?
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn also on Tuesday called on Blagojevich to resign.
"The governor knows what he has to do on behalf of the people," Quinn said, adding, that if he wants to do the right thing, he should "step aside."
Gibb also said Obama believes the Illinois legislature should consider a special election to fill the seat, as do lawmakers like Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL.
"The President-elect believes that the General Assembly should consider the issue and put in place a process to select a new senator that will have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois," an aide said.
Believe it or not, since Blagojevich is still the acting governor, not only could he still appoint someone to fill Obama's Senate seat, but he could actually appoint himself to that spot. That seems to be the biggest fear right now, with some calling for the Legislature to come into session next week to formally call for a special election.
Barack Obama has officially called for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's resignation. I mean, anything short of that
would have seemed odd for the president-elect. After all, this guy allegedly ranks among the grimiest of the grimy when it comes to inappropriately using his office for political gain. Unfortunately, Blagojevich is apparently back in the office today after being released on bail. Just another day... wonder if he's doing anything to celebrate his 52nd birthday today...cupcakes?Per AP:
"Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said the president-elect agrees with other prominent politicians in Illinois and elsewhere that 'under the current circumstances, it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois.'"
A senior transition source told CNN that Obama believes it's going to be very difficult for Blagojevich to be effective if he stays in office. No kidding?
But the governor's attorney, Sheldon Sorosky, said Tuesday he didn't know of any immediate plans for Blagojevich to step down. He apparently believes he didn't do anything wrong and asks Illinois residents to have faith in him, Sorosky said.
"I suppose we will have to go to trial," he said.
So then, if Blagojevich didn't do anything wrong, was it someone else's voice on all those recordings the feds have of conversations involving someone they say is the governor, attempting to sell Obama's Senate seat, and bribing others?
Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn also on Tuesday called on Blagojevich to resign.
"The governor knows what he has to do on behalf of the people," Quinn said, adding, that if he wants to do the right thing, he should "step aside."
Gibb also said Obama believes the Illinois legislature should consider a special election to fill the seat, as do lawmakers like Sen. Dick Durbin, D-IL.
"The President-elect believes that the General Assembly should consider the issue and put in place a process to select a new senator that will have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois," an aide said.
Believe it or not, since Blagojevich is still the acting governor, not only could he still appoint someone to fill Obama's Senate seat, but he could actually appoint himself to that spot. That seems to be the biggest fear right now, with some calling for the Legislature to come into session next week to formally call for a special election.