http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2007/11/blagojevichs-ba.html

Blagojevich backs Blackhawks over mass transit

November 29, 2007
Chicago Tribune
Posted by Ray Long

Gov. Rod Blagojevich today defended his decision to fly up to Chicago for a Blackhawks game last night while the House was trying (and failing) to pass a mass transit solution.

“Now, you ask me about a hockey game last night. You could say, in fact, I’ll say, I prefer to actually go to a game that wasn’t rigged. In other words, let me say it another way, um, I prefer to watch a game that wasn’t rigged," Blagojevich told reporters. "That vote last night, unfortunately, if you look carefully at that roll call, where some leaders of the Democratic caucus voted against it, suggested to me it wasn’t a serious effort to pass it.”

The politically embarrassing video footage and photo of the governor at the hockey game has the statehouse abuzz today.

Rep. Bill Black (R-Danville) suggested the governor should be whistled for a game misconduct.

“Perhaps a stint in the penalty box would be appropriate,” Black said.

House Speaker Michael Madigan, who has warred with the governor over philosophies, styles, goals and trust, said the governor only rounded up two votes for the mass transit bill from a group of House Democratic lawmakers who are staunch Blagojevich loyalists. But the governor’s absence on such an important vote is, at least, notable.

“Well, it certainly would have shown a little more interest in what we were doing had he been here in the Capitol,” Madigan said.

Would it have made a difference in the outcome in the House, where the mass transit proposal fell 14 votes short?

“Maybe it would make us feel better,” Madigan said.

Lawmakers gathered at the Capitol today for the record 18th special legislative session of the year as they waited for the governor to fly back into town.

At least the much-maligned Blackhawks busted out last night for 5-1 win. Their opponent? The Tampa Bay Lightning. Perhaps an aptly-named foe, given that Blagojevich's Blackhawks foray is fast becoming a lightning rod for criticism today.