Kotowski, Senate Vote To Impeach Governor

Springfield, IL- State Senator Dan Kotowski (D-Park Ridge) voted yesterday to convict former Governor Rod Blagojevich, removing him from the highest executive office in Illinois.

The unanimous decision came after four days of an impeachment trial in which convincing testimony and evidence was provided demonstrating that Mr. Blagojevich abused his powers as Governor for his personal gain.

“The House Prosecution provided clear evidence of the governor’s abuses,” said Senator Kotowski. “After much deliberation it was clear that the governor would no longer be able to fulfill his duties.”

During the impeachment trial, the prosecution presented evidence of wrong doing such as wiretap recordings dealing with the alleged shakedown of a prospective campaign contributor. The prosecution also demonstrated abuses of power with respect to state hiring practices and the enactment of programs without approval from the General Assembly.

“My vote was based on the pattern of abuse displayed by the former Governor,” said Kotowski. “His willingness to engage in pay to play politics, and his insistence on choosing personal profit over the public good demonstrated he was no longer interested in doing the people’s work. Today, he was held accountable.”

The Senate Special committee on Senate Trial Procedures was a bipartisan committee that deliberated and agreed on the impeachment tribunal’s rules and timeline. The House Prosecutor and the Governor’s defense had the same requirements to meet deadlines regarding their case. The House prosecutor met these deadlines. The Governor chose not to participate.

Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn was sworn in yesterday as the 41st Governor of Illinois.

“The elevation of Governor Quinn provides us with a great opportunity to readdress the challenges facing this state,” said Kotowski. “I look forward to working with Governor Quinn to achieve meaningful results for the people of Illinois.”

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