Illinois Supreme Court Won't Hear AG's Suit To Remove Blago

Not really a surprise.

Her theory that a criminal complaint amounted to a disability was kind of, what's the legal term I'm thinking of? Goofy. Yeah, that's it.

Meanwhile, Blago's lawyers wants members of the Illinois House removed from the committee considering what to do about the Governor.

An attorney for Gov. Rod Blagojevich sharply challenged a panel considering the governor's impeachment on Wednesday, arguing that some members should be removed because they've clearly already made up their minds.

The clash was yet another sign that the embattled governor is choosing to stand and fight. Blagojevich himself said Wednesday that he wants to address the public about allegations that he sought kickbacks in choosing a successor for President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.

Lawyer Ed Genson argued it would be illegal for the committee to use material from government wiretaps, and he objected to the panel's rules, saying they don't provide a clear standard for deciding whether to recommend impeachment.

Genson told the impeachment panel that some of its members have made statements suggesting they'd already made up their minds. He also said neither the law nor the constitution spell out the standard for impeachment or what evidence should be considered.

It's a nice try to change the conversation but I doubt it will go anywhere. This isn't a judicial action where the parties have legal obligations about fairness and neutrality. Impeachments are inherently political actions and the rules governing them are more or less up to the legislative bodies themselves.

I guess Genson wants to stall or try and rally some public sympathy for Blago (good luck councilor!) but he can't force the Illinois House to do anything or appeal their decisions.

posted by DrewM. at 03:39 PM

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