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Legislators eye recall proposal

3/24/2008

Edwardsville Intelligencer

Steve Horrell

When California voters ousted Democratic Gov. Gray Davis four years ago in a recall election, it was the state's first successful gubernatorial recall election and only the second in U.S. history.

Illinois is not one of the 15 states that permits recall elections, but legislation that recently passed the state House of Representatives and will soon reach the Senate would give voters the option of gathering signatures to recall an elected state official.

The bill has the backing of the Committee for Legislative Action, a Pontiac-based group formed 13 years ago "to bring sunlight to inappropriate government spending and raising of fees and taxes," according to the group's Web site.

On Thursday, the group's chairman, state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Pontiac, traveled to Edwardsville on a swing through southern Illinois "to gauge public interest in the opportunity to have public recall."

"I have not actually said I'm in favor of it," Rutherford said when asked his position. "I'm inclined to be in favor of it, but I want to see the whole process first."

Rutherford added: "Until I get the issue before me in the Senate, I want to see if there are any changes to it. I don't think there will be, but if there is an amendment to the language, I want to reserve the right."

To get the recall option, voters will have to change the state constitution either by a constitutional convention or a constitutional amendment.

CFLA favors the latter.

If recall were to become part of the constitution, a petition to have a statewide office holder removed would require about 420,000 signatures.

Then the question - Should the officeholder be recalled? - would be placed on the ballot. If the measure passed, the office holder would be forced to step down.

Of the 10,000 or so people who participated in an online survey on the group's Web site 95 percent favor recall. Only 73 percent favor recalling Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Asked whether a general dissatisfaction with Blagojevich's performance is behind the push for recall, Rutherford answered," I think his performance is part of the reason that this was introduced in the House of Representatives by a Democrat. My point is, this is non-partisan. Do I think the question of recall would be as much a part of the debate if it weren't for him? I would say no."

Blagojevich's problems, he added come on the heels of former Republican Gov. George Ryan's scandal and a trial now under way in Chicago involving political fundraiser Tony Rezko. "They all add to the sense by the public that they wish they had an alternative," Rutherford said. "This is one way I think people can find to vent concerns and frustrations."

The development, hosting and maintenance of Senator Rutherford's web site are not paid for with taxpayer dollars. The phone line and internet service for Senator Rutherford's e-mails are also not paid for at taxpayer expense.