We are in a situation where we are leaving state government business in the hands of a man who has caught on tape talking about extorting the Tribune and a hospital for donations to receive state benefits. This isn’t a case of an event in the past, but ongoing efforts to provide bribes for personal benefit. The Senate seat is an issue, but frankly it’s a far weaker case.
There is an immediate reason to impeach and convict the man because he is in a desperate position and may well continue to auction off state benefits. Hell, he’s even showing up to work every day now–who knows what kind of damage he can do with a full day on his hands.
The response by the Lege is similar to a response one would have with a specific incident that may be impeachable, but is not imminent. In this particular case, further damages to the State of Illinois are very real possibilities.