Blagojevich, a Chicago Democrat, is believed to be under federal investigation on corruption charges. Michael Madigan, chairman of the state Democratic Party and the longtime speaker of the Illinois House, circulated a 14 page talking-points memo on the possible impeachment of Blagojevich two weeks ago.
Earlier today "Blago" threatened the state legislature with $1.5 billion in budget cuts if they didn't cough up more cash, as NBC 5 tells us:
Amtrak train subsidies, $150 million in school construction grants and a significant number of state employees are among the possible victims. There's also hundreds of millions of dollars at stake for health care providers, social service agencies and colleges and universities.
Blagojevich stopped short of ordering lawmakers back to work but stressed they could easily avoid the fiscal doomsday if the House returns by July 9 to approve three ideas: Creating a new $34 billion statewide construction program, borrowing to pay off pension debt and taking money out of state funds set aside for special purposes.
If Blagojevich does call a special session next month, Madigan could pull the trigger on impeachment.
More: Last week, Barack Obama met in Chicago with most of the Democratic governors. Blagojevich, who refuses to live in the governor's mansion in Springfield, was conveniently in downstate Alton during that pow-wow.
Blago may still be governor, but he's poison in this state, unless of course you are State Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), Obama's mentor when he served in Springfield.
What's gonna happen? Who knows? But whatever goes down, it will be worth tuning in for.
Make sure the little ones aren't watching, though.
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