Local lawmakers react to verdict
“Today’s verdict is a stark reminder that no one is above the law. This decision is the culmination of a tumultuous 2½ years for the people of Illinois and Rod Blagojevich must now face the consequences of his corrupt actions.”
— Sen. Mark Kirk, a Highland Park Republican
“I hope today’s verdict finally draws this sad and sordid chapter in Illinois history to a close.”
— Sen. Dick Durbin, a Springfeild Democrat
“I’m glad that the verdict is finally in on Rod Blagojevich. However this closes only one chapter of Democrat corruption in Illinois. Illinois Democratic politicians who now try everything they can to hide their past support of Rod Blagojevich should look themselves in the mirror and remind themselves that little has changed since the day Blagojevich was arrested.”
— Pat Brady of St. Charles, chairman of the Illinois Republican Party
“Once again, the former governor’s pattern of dishonesty has been confirmed. I thank the jury for its public service. Just as it was sad but necessary for the Senate to remove him from office, today is another sad event for Illinois. I would hope that this verdict would further allow us as a state to move on and ahead.”
— Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat
“While in the Illinois Senate, I had the sobering, yet ultimately necessary task of voting to impeach former Governor Rod Blagojevich. The cost of corruption in Illinois through the years has been enormous and the taxpayers are the ones forced to pay the bill.”
— U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren, a Winfield Republican
“It was clear that Rod Blagojevich conspired to use the governor’s office for personal gain. He inflicted real, permanent damage on the state during his six years in office. Unfortunately, future generations will be paying for his administration for years to come.”
— Illinois Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont
“He’s symptomatic of the corruption that has seized Illinois politics. He’s not the only one.”
— State Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat
“As a member of Illinois’ first impeachment tribunal, I stated that Governor Blagojevich abused his powers, trampled on the Illinois constitution and should be removed from office. I believe for those same reasons, the jurors today found Rod Blagojevich guilty on 17 of the 20 counts against him.”
— State Sen. Dan Duffy, a Lake Barrington Republican
“Now that we have read the book on Rod Blagojevich and closed the last chapter, it is important that we don’t lose track of the message. The message is, we need to constantly press forward with reforms in campaign financing and transparency.”
— State Sen. Kirk Dillard, a Hinsdale Republican
“It’s a verification that we got it right” in impeaching Blagojevich.
— State Sen. Mike Noland, an Elgin Democrat
“We are all worse for Blagojevich’s behavior. The public trust has again been violated; highlighting the need for public servants ... rather than typical politicians.”
— State Sen. Ron Sandack, a Downers Grove Republican
“Rod Blagojevich has made a mockery of the state of Illinois on the national stage. Thank you to the members of the jury who served to end this part of history.”
— State Rep. JoAnn Osmond, an Antioch Republican
“With this guilty verdict, Illinois has now been shamed once again as its second consecutive chief executive has failed its citizens in the most fundamental way possible. We must all redouble our efforts to restore confidence and integrity to Illinois government.”
— State Sen. Jeff Schoenberg, an Evanston Democrat