Will He?
As the Illinois Supreme Court considers a request to strip Gov. Rod Blagojevich of his power to appoint the state’s next U.S. Senator, rumors are swirling that the governor may name his foul-mouthed wife, Patti Blagojevich, to the seat.
Which let’s face it … isn’t really as surprising as it sounds.
Given that Blagojevich’s attempt to auction the seat off to the highest bidder has been exposed, why wouldn’t he name his wife? Sure, she cusses like a sailor and looks like she could have just a whiff of Downs, but it’s not like her husband has anything to lose at this point.
From American Thinker:
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has promised to block any Senate appointment by the Governor presumably under Section 5 of the US Constitution which states “Each House shall be the Judge of the Elections, Returns and Qualifications of its own Members.” As the Chicago Tribune points out, the US Supreme Court has ruled in Powell v McCormick that the House or Senate can only consider the Constitutional requirements when making that determination. Since Patti meets the requirements, she would be seated.
The Senate could then try to expel Senator Patti Blagojevich under also under Section 5 of the Constitution where it states “Each House may determine the Rules of its Proceedings, punish its Members for disorderly Behaviour, and, with the Concurrence of two thirds, expel a Member.” But this implies that Patti would have to do something wrong in order to be expelled. Prior to her Senate service, she has done nothing wrong (or at least she has not been charged yet). As long as Patti behaves in the Senate, there would be no grounds for the Senate to expel her. If it did, that would set a dangerous precedent.
In the meantime, Blagojevich was back in his office today signing a bill into law that expands health care coverage for kids with autism. Because that’s what Democrats do.
He is steadfastly refusing the cacophony of calls to resign his office, which Democrats from all across the country are pushing for him to do so they can have Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn fill the Senate vacancy.
Republicans are pushing for Illinois lawmakers to remove Blagojevich from power and settle the Senate question with a special election, a solution that’s also been endorsed by the Chicago Tribune.







Comments
By justme on December 14th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Will – Please stay away from the snide remarks when they are unkind to people with special needs – “could have a whiff of Downs” and then the comment about expanding health care for children with autism. I hope that you never have a child with a special need, but, if you do, perhaps you will be a little kinder.