An impeachment primer
A friend in Springfield provided some excellent insight into the upcoming impeachment process being launched against Governor Blagojevich. He also provided insight on the the political winds blowing through the capital.
The impeachment proceedings are not like a criminal or civil trial. Essentially, the Illinois Senate is only considering one question, "Should Governor Blagojevich be removed as Governor?" They don't necessarily need a reason for removing him via impeachment. They only need to secure 2/3rds of the vote in the Illinois Senate for removal to occur.
The House has formed a special committee to consider whether the impeachment process should even take place. Once the majority of the house approves the articles of impeachment (which is an almost foregone conclusion), a trial (presided over the the Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice) will then occur in the Senate.
The members of the Illinois Senate will serve as the jury to decide Governor Rod's fate. They will need 2/3rds of the members to vote in favor for the Governor to be removed.
Evidence - Because this isn't a criminal trial, the same rules of evidence don't apply. Currently, the only information that any legislators really possess is the limited phone call transcripts contained in the indictment handed down by the prosecutor. The actual tapes and their transcript may, or may not, be availble for the impeachment trial. But, they are really not needed.
My friend informs me that other "acts" by the Govenor will be thrown into the mix. His past disregard for legislative action, including the establishment of several spending plans and programs, without legislative approval will be presented as evidence of his need to be removed. Of course, the Governor will have to defend himself against the charges, without providing further evidence or information to prosecutor Fitzgerald, who's bringing separate criminal charges. So we have a defendant, the Governor, trying to defend himself, while not saying too much to damage his upcoming criminal defense. It will be a WILD time!
Finally, I'm told that the votes in the house and the senate already exist to complete the impeachment activity. As my friend said, "There are few legislators who want to return to their constituents and explain why they think the Governor is still fit to serve. The impeachment is a foregone conclusion. The only question is whether the Governor will resign before that occurs. No one, and I mean NO ONE, will hazard a guess as to the Governor's next move."
The impeachment proceedings are not like a criminal or civil trial. Essentially, the Illinois Senate is only considering one question, "Should Governor Blagojevich be removed as Governor?" They don't necessarily need a reason for removing him via impeachment. They only need to secure 2/3rds of the vote in the Illinois Senate for removal to occur.
The House has formed a special committee to consider whether the impeachment process should even take place. Once the majority of the house approves the articles of impeachment (which is an almost foregone conclusion), a trial (presided over the the Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice) will then occur in the Senate.
The members of the Illinois Senate will serve as the jury to decide Governor Rod's fate. They will need 2/3rds of the members to vote in favor for the Governor to be removed.
Evidence - Because this isn't a criminal trial, the same rules of evidence don't apply. Currently, the only information that any legislators really possess is the limited phone call transcripts contained in the indictment handed down by the prosecutor. The actual tapes and their transcript may, or may not, be availble for the impeachment trial. But, they are really not needed.
My friend informs me that other "acts" by the Govenor will be thrown into the mix. His past disregard for legislative action, including the establishment of several spending plans and programs, without legislative approval will be presented as evidence of his need to be removed. Of course, the Governor will have to defend himself against the charges, without providing further evidence or information to prosecutor Fitzgerald, who's bringing separate criminal charges. So we have a defendant, the Governor, trying to defend himself, while not saying too much to damage his upcoming criminal defense. It will be a WILD time!
Finally, I'm told that the votes in the house and the senate already exist to complete the impeachment activity. As my friend said, "There are few legislators who want to return to their constituents and explain why they think the Governor is still fit to serve. The impeachment is a foregone conclusion. The only question is whether the Governor will resign before that occurs. No one, and I mean NO ONE, will hazard a guess as to the Governor's next move."
chicagotribune.com
Patti's holiday letter
By David Martin
December 22, 2008
Click here to find out more!
Dear Friends,
Well, it's that time of year again. The frost is on the windowpane, a chill is in the air and the U. S. attorney's office is as busy as Santa's workshop. That means, of course, that it's almost Christmas.
I can't tell you how much fun it has been for Rod and me to govern here in Illinois.
Ever since Rod's victory six years ago, we've been doing everything we can to help reform the way politics is practiced in our great state.
Take, for example, the process of choosing a replacement for the U. S. Senate when an incumbent gives up his seat. In the past, it seems that governors would just ask someone to make up a list of qualified candidates and then pick one.
Given the current financial crisis, however, it was clear that a new way to carry out this function was needed. Like with so many jobs, Rod is a fervent believer in letting the market decide. To that end, he phoned a lot of people and got a feel for what a Senate seat might be worth to them.
In the true Christmas spirit, my husband wanted to spread good cheer as far and as wide as he could. The possibility that some of these potential candidates wanted to reciprocate by giving Rod a small gift in return should not be a cause for concern for anyone, particularly that nasty old grinch Patrick Fitzgerald.
Not a lot to report on the travel front this past year.
Frankly, we just can't afford to take travel vacations like other folks.
Not that we're complaining, mind you. But it would be nice if Rod could augment his governor's salary just a scooch so we could finally take that family trip to Europe we've been planning for so long.
Thankfully, my real estate business brought in some money last year, which helped put food on the table. But, you know, it's getting harder and harder to find clients who are "well-connected," as we say here in Illinois.
I'm guessing what with the downturn in the economy and Rod's possible relocation next year, my real estate commissions are going to be few and far between.
Nevertheless, we are so thankful to the people of Illinois for putting their faith and trust in us for these past six years. Thanks to them, we've achieved more than we ever thought possible and have been blessed with untold (at least up until now) goods and riches. If I have one regret, it's that I didn't buy Rod that electronic bug and wiretap detector he asked for last Christmas.
Season's
Greetings,
Patti
David Martin lives in Ottawa, Ontario.
Reply to this
A great info. Congratulations. Last Dora Games and Skateboarding Games online for women or good Multiplication Games portal, and new Battle Games, Base Invaders.
Reply to this
I think helpful post. Big thanks. Cute Killing Games online and Animal Games for usa, cool Spongebob Games free, and new physics games, Riff Master.
Reply to this
This was a really helpful post. Check out my blog too. Enjoy Hidden object and Mah Jong for usa, cool Download Games patches, and new magic games, Gibbets.
Reply to this