Picture this: Blagojevich portrait may never happen

SPRINGFIELD | 'Do what we can to wipe him out of our minds'

SPRINGFIELD -- Rod Blagojevich's time as governor won't be forgotten anytime soon, but the recently removed Blagojevich could become the first former governor in Illinois history not to be enshrined in the Hall of Governors at the state Capitol.

Usually, a departing governor arranges the portrait, which can cost more than $10,000. But because Blagojevich became the first governor in Illinois to be kicked out of office, it's unclear if his picture ever will be hung in the hallway that connects the lieutenant governor's office to the governor's office.

Rep. Lou Lang (D-Skokie), who served on the House impeachment panel, said taxpayers shouldn't have to see their money spent on memorializing Blagojevich, who faces criminal charges that he tried to profit from his power.

"He's been a disgrace as governor. I don't know why we would want to glorify him with [a portrait]," Lang said. "We should do what we can to wipe him out of our minds."

Rep. Ken Dunkin (D-Chicago), who has sided with Blagojevich more than most of his House colleagues, disagrees. He said Blagojevich should have his portrait hung, regardless of his ouster or possible criminal conviction.

"If we're going to hold him to a different standard, then we're going to have to hold all other convicted governors of the state to that standard," Dunkin said.

If Blagojevich does end up in the hall, his alleged political shenanigans wouldn't be too out of place. Five of the state's last 10 governors have faced federal charges.

A publicist for Blagojevich declined to comment.