Whatever it's called, electing the wrong person makes some wish their government came with a return policy. If a proposed amendment to the Illinois Constitution comes to fruition, voters soon will have the right to change their minds about executive, legislative and judicial officers.

Dan Rutherford

State Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Pontiac, made one of many stops here last week in a 10-day trip aimed at adding recall of elected state officials to the constitution. The amendment already passed unanimously in the House State Government Administration Committee, and could be up for a vote relatively soon, according to Illinois Rep. Ruth Munson, R-Elgin.

Rutherford said blatant political corruption in Springfield and elsewhere has led him and others to demand a avenue for recourse.

"I think there are two things that prompted this," Rutherford said. "One is Rod Blagojevich and two is George Ryan."

According to the proposed amendment, a petition for recall would have to come within six months of when the official's most current term began. It requires a minimum number of signatures equal to 20 percent of the last vote for that office. For example, recall for a statewide office right now would require about 420,000 signatures, according to news release circulated by Rutherford.

If the requirements are met, the recall would be added to the next ballot. A majority vote would lead to the official's removal from office, the amendment states.

For ratification, the amendment would have to pass the Illinois House, the Senate and a referendum vote, all with three-fifths majorities. The amendment also could be proposed at a constitutional convention. During the Nov. 4 general election, Illinoisans will be voting for or against holding such a convention in 2010. Voters have the option of calling one every 20 years.

The 20 percent minimum sets the bar pretty high, Rutherford said, which is important because sometimes leaders must make unpopular decisions.

"I do not want it to be something that would hinder an official's fortitude," he said. "You want people to be statesmen," not politicians.

Munson could not say when the measure might be up for a vote in the House, but said it has a lot of support there.

"I think folks are pretty frustrated," she said. "I'll probably vote for it. It looks like it's moving. There's no hold on it."

As for the Senate, it's not a hot topic just yet, said Rutherford and fellow Sen. Mike Noland, D-Elgin.

"Is it worthy of discussion? Yes," Noland said. "Are there more pressing matters? Absolutely. I think there are many things Senator Rutherford could be drawing his attention to if he's going to travel the state."

Noland added that legislators out for Blagojevich's head can forget using recall to oust him; legally, he could not be recalled now.

"This is not something to be taken lightly," Noland said. "If he (Rutherford) is just trying to get rid of the governor, I certainly would not sign onto that."

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