Blagojevich ally angrily criticizes House recall amendment

SPRINGFIELD -- Tensions flared today as a top ally to Gov. Rod Blagojevich angrily used an expletive on the House floor while condemning a plan that would allow voters to oust the governor and other top officials.

The rare outburst came as lawmakers discussed a proposed constitutional amendment that would let voters recall constitutional officers and state legislators.

Some of the amendment's backers have made clear it's aimed at Blagojevich, whose fighting with lawmakers from both parties has caused major gridlock on key issues during the past year.

Rep. Jay Hoffman, a Collinsville Democrat and Blagojevich's House floor leader, called the amendment unnecessary and said lawmakers should focus on issues such as health care expansion and a statewide construction program.

"End the cycle of finger-pointing," Hoffman said. "Stop the bull****!"

Hoffman's comments followed those of several lawmakers who touted the idea, which won't come up for a final House vote until next week.

State Rep. Jack Franks, a Woodstock Democrat and Blagojevich critic, noted 18 other states currently have the recall option. California replaced then-Gov. Gray Davis with Arnold Schwarzeneggar in 2003, and just last week some New Jersey residents started a recall effort for Gov. Jon Corzine this November.

Recall still faces many obstacles in Illinois, even if it's approved by the House.

Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, is a strong ally of the governor and could block the idea. If it lands on the November ballot, either three-fifths of voters who weigh in on the issue or a majority of those voting overall would need to approve it. And proponents would need hundreds of thousands of signatures just to get a recall election held.

Still, Franks argued it is a necessary tool to give the public more faith that elected leaders are representing their interests.

"We have to let the people take their government back and let them make those decisions," Franks said. "This is the way to do it."

A message seeking comment was left with Blagojevich's office Wednesday