Peoria, IL… State Representative David Leitch (R-Peoria) is calling for an investigation into grounds for impeachment of Governor Blagojevich. The governor was charged Tuesday with multiple crimes, including plotting to accept bribes for an appointment to Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate Seat.
“If these accusations are true, the governor has no business leading our state in the future,” said Leitch. “Obviously it will be hard for the governor to concentrate on his executive duties while going through a federal corruption trial. These are two very good reasons why the Legislature should investigate cause for impeaching him.”
Leitch is co-sponsoring House Resolution 1644 which calls for the creation of a Special Investigative Committee to look into cause for impeaching Governor Blagojevich. The committee will review allegations of misconduct against the governor and make recommendations to the General Assembly as to whether cause for impeachment exists.
Under the legislation, the committee will be made up of 5 members appointed by the House Majority Leader and 5 appointed by the House Minority Leader. The committee will have 30 days after the resolution is enacted to complete their investigation and make recommendations to the Legislature.
Leitch hopes the House will consider the resolution during the special session being held in Springfield Monday to discuss holding a special election for the open U.S. Senate seat. “This resolution is the first step in the impeachment process to ensure the governor can no longer make executive decisions on behalf of Illinois citizens,” said Leitch.