Illinois General Assembly

Rep. Tracy Named to Special Committee Assigned to
Investigate Grounds for Impeachment

For Immediate Release
December 16, 2008
Contact Rep. Jil Tracy
(217) 223-0833

Tracy Disappointed in House Democrats Refusal to Pursue
Special Election for Vacant Senate Seat

Springfield, IL… On Monday, the Illinois House unanimously voted in favor of creating a committee to investigate and establish grounds for impeachment.  The committee will include nine republicans and twelve democrats and meet everyday with the exception of holidays.  State Representative Jil Tracy (R-Mt. Sterling) was assigned to the special investigative committee which will have subpoena power and hear witness testimony.  The Governor will have the right to appear before the committee in order to defend himself against the charges and cross examine witnesses.

“As a member of the impeachment investigation committee, it is imperative to ensure the proceedings are handled with care and responsibility.  This is a delicate matter and it is important that the proper steps are followed as not to jeopardize the committee’s official report,” said Tracy.

The investigation will center on charges of abuse of power, such as instances where the Governor implemented programs without General Assembly approval.  The committee will also investigate criminal charges against the Governor, including his arrest one week ago.

“It will be very important that this committee not step on the toes of federal investigators and the U.S. Attorney,” said Rep. Tracy.  “We must proceed cautiously and not interfere with the ongoing federal investigation, but we also must ensure a thorough and timely judgment is issued by the committee.”

In other action around the Capitol, the House Democrats did an abrupt about face by refusing to allow legislation that will create a special election to fill President Elect Obama’s vacant Senate seat.  Representative Jil Tracy questioned the Democrats motive stating, “The most transparent way to fill the vacant Illinois Senate seat would be to allow the voters of Illinois to choose their next Senator.”

One of the charges leveled against Governor Blagojevich involved trading the Senate appointment in exchange for campaign contributions.  It was only a week ago when top Democrats including Senator Durbin, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and even President Elect Obama supported filling the seat through the special election process.

“Any appointment, no matter who the sitting Governor may be, will be looked upon with skepticism and suspicion,” said Rep. Tracy.  “The best way to begin to restore trust in state government is to return the decision to fill the vacant Senate seat to the hands of the people.”