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Rutherford looks back
at the 2009 historic impeachment and conviction of Gov.
Blagojevich: The One Year Anniversary
In the year
since Governor Rod Blagojevich was removed from office,
many things still have not changed in the State Capitol.
Rod Blagojevich’s removal from office is proof
positive that the Illinois State Constitution works.
Fifty-nine Illinois Senators worked in concert, through a
fair and deliberative process, to help restore the
public’s confidence.
As Illinoisans mark the first anniversary of
Blagojevich’s impeachment and removal from office,
I am making available video footage and
pictures from the tribunal.
Here is a portion of my speech before the vote that
ultimately removed Blagojevich from office:
“The greatest offense is not just that Gov. Rod
Blagojevich’s behavior was disgraceful – though it was.
It is not just that he once again shattered the public
trust in Illinois - though he did.
"It is not even that he turned our state into a
national joke – and he has. No, the greatest offense
committed by this Governor is that he has effectively
paralyzed state government – and the consequences are
being felt by organizations, businesses, communities and,
especially, real people in every part of Illinois.
"The bottom line is this: while the Governor
continues to play a lead role in his own bizarre
political theater – our families and communities are
paying the price."
Although
Blagojevich is out of office, many of the problems
created by his administration are still evidenced by a
gridlock that affects our state budget, planning at the
Department of Corrections and a myriad of other issues.
During the four day Impeachment
Tribunal I filmed daily updates that were warmly received
by Illinois citizens. The updates that follow gave
Illinoisans a behind-the-scenes view as to what each
senator was experiencing as we dealt with the charges
that were leveled against Rod Blagojevich.
Senator Rutherford Impeachment Tribunal Update 1
Senator Rutherford Impeachment Tribunal Update 2
Senator Rutherford Impeachment Tribunal Update 3
Senator Rutherford Impeachment Tribunal Update 4
Senator Rutherford Impeachment Tribunal Update 5
Senator Rutherford Impeachment Tribunal Update 6
Senator Rutherford Impeachment Tribunal Update 7
Senator Rutherford Impeachment Tribunal Update 8
Just prior to the floor vote that ultimately
convicted Governor Blagojevich, each senator was given an
opportunity to address the chamber.
Senator Rutherford floor speech before the tribunal vote
These next two videos are a montage that was put
together by our Springfield staff. Both videos show the
sights and scenes from the historic four day trial.
Complete Impeachment Tribunal Part 1
Complete Impeachment Tribunal Part 2 |
