With virtually no one left to demonize in the state, Rod gets a gift from the Trib, one of the few institutions Democrats cannot stand more than Blagojevich.
He shows no inclination to resign from office. And while the state constitution does allow for his impeachment by the Illinois House and trial by the Senate, it’s doubtful legislators could bring themselves to such drastic action. So the realistic question becomes this: Given the multiple ineptitudes of Rod Blagojevich — his reckless financial stewardship, his dictatorial antics, his penchant for creating political enemies — should citizens create a new way to terminate a chief executive who won’t, or can’t, do his job?
What’s bizarre is this is the one time where traditional conservatism probably has the right idea and that is to let the popular will be funneled through elected officials. And the Trib goes with populism. Absolutely wrong about absolutely everything on the editorial page. If there is enough desire to remove him from office, the Lege can do it. Or change to a parliamentary form which can adapt easily to varying election cycles.
Ultimately, while I cannot stand this Governor and even with those low expectations he keeps not meeting them, the problem is larger than just him. If you are going to change the government, change everyone–or allow everyone to be changed. Dissolve the government and call for elections. Allowing it to be done for only one branch will, in the long run, leave part of the problem in place. If you remove a Governor who replaces him? The Lieutenant Governor? In the particular case that would be fine, and hysterical to see Pat Quinn being the conciliator, but usually it leaves the problem in place. Have a new election? Remember, we just had one.
What is the Trib thinking?
Wanting to get rid of Rod Blagojevich is a natural and perfectly normal impulse for anyone paying attention, but ultimately, we are talking about the structure of state government. If you are going to have set election terms and separate branches between Executive and Legislative, the stability lost in recalls is a significant problem.
I’m not necessarily against some sort of recall, but the system should match the incentives and in the case of recall, it’s a tool to call an election when it suits your interests. That only makes sense if everyone has to stand then and you recall the government, not just one pain in the ass.
The one time the Trib’s traditional conservativism would be advisable and they go all populist.
What is the Trib thinking?
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