The Illinois Republican Party today called on Illinois Democrats to explain to the people of Illinois why they endorsed and supported Rod Blagojevich after numerous press accounts of the activities listed in today’s impeachment report.

“Some of the offenses presented were well known before the 2006 gubernatorial election,” said Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna. “If they are bad enough to impeach Blagojevich now, why weren’t they bad enough to keep Mike Madigan, Emil Jones, Pat Quinn, and John Cullerton from endorsing him for re-election?”

The narrative presented by the Democrat-dominated process contains offenses that have been in the public realm for more than 4 years. Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn was more than happy to be Rod Blagojevich’s running mate in 2006, while both House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones co-chaired the Governor’s re-election campaign and incoming Senate President John Cullerton endorsed Blagojevich in 2006 saying he, “deserves a second chance.”

Today the Democrat-dominated impeachment committee released their resolution to impeach Governor Blagojevich. Included in the list of charges were:

Attempting to import flu vaccines without FDA approval: In 2005 Governor Blagojevich publicly flaunted FDA rules and imported unapproved flu vaccines from overseas. Illinois never used those vaccines, but still paid $3 million for them.[1] [2]

Promoting a scheme to import prescription drugs without federal approval: Blagojevich continued to push a costly program to import prescription drugs from Canada, despite being advised by the FDA and state auditors that the program was illegal.[3] [4]

Governor’s refusal to comply with FOIA: Blagojevich refused FOIA requests from the Better Government Association for federal subpoenas despite advice from Attorney General Lisa Madigan that failure to provide subpoenas was a violation of FOIA.[5]
[6]

Executive Ethics Commission Report: While the report was not publicly available at the time, numerous press accounts documented the alleged widespread hiring fraud perpetrated by the Blagojevich Administration.[7]
[8]

These charges have one thing in common: they were all widely reported and well-known before Blagojevich’s reelection in 2006.

“Blagojevich Democrats have enabled Rod Blagojevich every step of the way for the last six years and are now trying to pretend they had nothing with the mismanagement of this state,” added McKenna. “Now more than ever, the Democrats’ failure to lead over the last thirty days has highlighted why we need change in Illinois.”

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[1] Associated Press, Comptroller refuses to honor Blagojevich deal for flu vaccine, January 31, 2005
[2] Associated Press, Blagojevich’s flu vaccine purchase under fire with lawmakers, March 3, 2005
[3] State Journal-Register, Governor to expand drug imports; Despite criticism by auditor, FDA’s disapproval, September 20, 2006
[4] Chicago Sun Times, Gov’s drug program illegal, state auditor says, September 20, 2006
[5] The Pantagraph, Proof of $5.3 million savings isn’t being released, July 1, 2006
[6] State Journal-Register, Madigan: Release subpoenas; Governor’s spokeswoman says they’ll stay secret, October 27, 2006
[7] UPI, Thousands with clout got Illinois jobs, August 11, 2006
[8] Copley News Service, Hard to keep track of hiring offenses, August 24, 2006

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