Special election is the right choice

Illinois legislators did the right thing when they began impeachment proceedings against Governor Blagojevich. But impeachment may move at a glacial pace. No one knows how much longer Blagojevich's lawyers can stall the process.

Meanwhile, the Governor retains his constitutional powers - including the authority to appoint a U.S. Senator, the same authority he attempted to leverage for his personal gain. Unless legislators act immediately, no one can stop him.

Secretary of State Jesse White and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid could refuse to recognize a Blagojevich appointment, but Illinois would not be well served by the resulting constitutional crisis. The General Assembly has only one choice: immediately strip Blagojevich of his appointment power so voters have the chance to remove the stain that mars our vacant Senate seat. This wasn't a Republican idea, originally.

It was first proposed by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin, a Democrat. Other Democrat leaders echoed his call. House Speaker Mike Madigan, Senate President Emil Jones, and Lt. Governor Pat Quinn jumped on board. Republicans were in agreement with Democrats. Within days, the Democrats went back on their word, refusing to strip Blagojevich's appointment authority and denying Illinois voters the chance to make this thing right.

Even if he is removed from office, his appointment power would fall to Blagojevich's lieutenant governor, Pat Quinn. That's the same politician who served as the Governor's running mate in 2002 and 2006 and - in the face of a federal investigation - pronounced Blagojevich an "honest person." Any senator appointed by Blagojevich or his lieutenant governor would be too tainted to effectively serve our state.

We can trust the voters. We may not always elect the best candidate, but at least it will be our choice. We deserve better. Strip Blagojevich's power and give us the special election we deserve.

Andy McKenna

Illinois Republican Party Chairman