Madigan acted on law, not politics

Attorneys are often called upon to do things they would rather avoid. Attorney general Lisa Madigan filed a case with the Illinois Supreme Court asking the court to bar Governor Rod Blagojevich from acting as governor.

Some might say Madigan did this for political gain - that she is using this suit to tackle a rival. These arguments are exactly why Lisa Madigan may suffer politically. If voters feel that Lisa Madigan filed this suit to gain an edge for herself, they may be hesitant to vote for her.

So why would Lisa Madigan risk her political capital to file this suit? Because she places her professional obligation ahead of her own interests.

The Illinois Constitution allows for a governor to temporarily or permanently leave office. The constitution gives the Illinois Supreme Court the power to determine when a governor is not able to continue in office. What the constitution does not make clear is who can request the court to make a determination that the governor is not able to serve.

The Attorney General is the best person to bring this suit. She is our only statewide elected legal officer. For now the Supreme Court has declined. The impeachment process has begun and may resolve the issue. Or Governor Blagojevich could remove himself from office, temporarily or permanently. Getting our state to a quick and fair resolution, one way or another, is important. Our state is waiting to get a loan to cover payments for medical services. We are waiting to get a new U.S. Senator. We are waiting for leadership for our state in a faltering national economy.

Lisa Madigan's suit in the Illinois Supreme Court takes us closer to resolution of these issues. And this one voter appreciates that Lisa Madigan took a political risk in order to move our state forward.

Sheila Simon

Carbondale