Dan Rutherford

SPRINGFIELD — A measure allowing voters to dump the governor and other statewide officeholders through California-style recall petitions advanced Wednesday in a key test vote in the House, though its approval is far from certain.

Proponents said the bill was prompted by their dissatisfaction with Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who has been criticized by Republicans and his fellow Democrats for what they say is his autocratic and aloof style of governance. But they argued the measure also is good public policy already embraced by 18 other states, including California, which replaced an unpopular governor with action movie star Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2003.

"I would not have filed it but for the dismal performance of this governor," said Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock), the bill's sponsor. "Our state is dysfunctional. . . . We are stuck at an absolute impasse because the governor refuses to lead and refuses, frankly, to show up for work. He won't govern, and he can't govern."

The House adopted an amendment to the bill on an 80-25 vote, which Franks said indicates it likely will be approved by a wide margin when he tries to send it to the Senate next week. The favorable reception in the House also underscores Blagojevich's running feud with Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), who voted for the amendment.

But the measure's success is far from guaranteed. Though Blagojevich publicly has embraced the recall concept, his House floor leader, Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville), angrily denounced the bill. Also opposing the recall effort are Comptroller Dan Hynes and Mayor Richard Daley. Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago), a strong Blagojevich ally, has not taken a position on the measure, which does not need the governor's signature to become law.

Franks said both chambers must act by May 4 if a constitutional amendment to allow a recall is to appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. Otherwise, voters wouldn't have a chance to vote until 2010.

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