Madigan memo outlines impeachment for Gov
House Speaker Michael Madigan has sent a 14-page memo to Democratic legislative candidates that outlines "talking points" in favor of launching "impeachment proceedings" against Gov. Blagojevich.
The memo, obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, refers to corruption under Blagojevich as a "tumor" and notes that "criminal activity in the Blagojevich administration is no longer theoretical -- it is proven."
(AP)
Jaclyn Brenning
A Madigan aide said the document is not necessarily reflective of the speaker's personal views but was prepared by House Democratic campaign staff.
"Candidates get incessant questions from the media about the impeachment process. Some asked staff if they could have background and information," Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said.
Reaction from Blagojevich's office was swift.
"This is another example of the pettiness, silliness and backroom games that Speaker Madigan has been playing for months to prevent progress," Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said. "We wish he would drop his behind-the-scenes maneuvering and come to the [legislative] leaders' meetings."
At least one Madigan-backed candidate, Emily McAsey, has incorporated some of the exact language contained in the memo into her campaign material, using some of it as direct quotes attributable to herself. McCasey, who could not be reached, is trying to unseat Rep. Brent Hassert (R-Romeoville).
Last weekend, Madigan confirmed his chief legal counsel had done extensive research on impeachment but declined to say whether Blagojevich would face impeachment or whether he'd even committed an impeachable offense.
Besides highlighting "criminal activity" that surfaced in former Blagojevich fund-raiser Tony Rezko's trial, the memo states the governor has abused his power and "acts like an absentee governor.
"He is largely withdrawn from the legislative process -- spending most of his time hunkered down at home or in a political campaign office in Ravenswood hiding from the public," the document states.
The memo discourages candidates from discussing the speaker's daughter, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, or her "future political plans." She has been mentioned as a potential 2010 candidates for governor.
The document also outlines Blagojevich's "misdeeds and malfeasance" and discusses his "consistently poor judgment and third-class temperament."
The governor's chief legislative ally, Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), lashed out at Madigan for the memo.
"I think it's wrong for the Democratic speaker and Democratic Party chairman to promote the impeachment of a Democratic governor," Jones said in a prepared statement.
"Impeachment is unwarranted in my opinion, and should not be used as a political tool. It is a serious state action that should not be used to divert attention from the issues at hand which are the operating budget and passing a capital bill."