Now, Finally, We Can Clean Up This State

I've received dozens of calls and messages this morning. The ones who don't know me that well said, "You must be so happy." I'm not. I'm heartbroken.

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald's sudden arrest of Governor Blagojevich was required to interrupt an ongoing political crime spree. According to the complaint, the Governor was in the midst of selling a seat in the United States Senate to the highest bidder, shaking down Children's Memorial Hospital, and muscling the Chicago Tribune. It is a day many have long anticipated, but wished would never happen.

Two years ago I took on Mr. Blagojevich in the Democratic Primary. It was already clear back then that he was deeply involved in the kind of pay-to-play politics that have tainted our state for too long. In January of 2006 I described how the governor had raised $2,667 per hour as governor. I described in detail how the public record already made clear that his fundraising interfered with the business of the state.

Cynics say the people of Illinois are not ready to clean up the state. Not true. Almost a quarter-of-a-million Democratic voters stood with me two years ago, and that was against an incumbent Democrat in a time when attention was focused on Republican mistakes in Washington. Since then we've elected Barack Obama President, giving courage to many that change is possible. Now, as the horrible revelations in the complaint against Governor Blagojevich sink in, change isn't just possible, it's certain.

How does it begin?

We demand his resignation and if it is not forthcoming tonight, the legislature must convene to impeach him immediately. Similarly, as the process of Senate appointment is tainted, the legislature must immediately act to stop an appointment by changing the law. There are several options ranging from establishment of a special election to denying the appointment power to a governor out on bond in a criminal case.

Fundamental change takes time. I knew two years ago that change was possible. Now it is certain. Despite the terrible embarrassment of having two governors in a row hauled away by the feds, I know we can do better. This old book must be closed now.

Comments

[Galt907]

Spoken like a true loser, Mr. Eisendrath. I know not from what part of the State of Illinois you hail, but my part is already clean, thank you. I know nether you nor The Governor, I find it difficult to assess, condemn nor apprive either of you, except on your own deeds and words. The Governor has been charged with reprehensible and criminal conduct: to the best of my knowledge that makes him guilty of nothing. If he did what he is charged with doing, there will be a conviction, then we can determine the extent of his "dirtiness." Until then, either a guilty plea or verdict, he is still the Governor of this State and you are still the guy who lost to him in an election.

[ignorantwillyharper]

"It's Time To Close This Old Book", as long as we have a operating government, we will always have crooks and the books will stay open. When I hear anyone say "I'm In Politics" I think to myself, he/she could have just as easly said "I'm In Organized Crime". These people get into politics for a few reason and none of them are in it for the betterment of you, or me. It's money and power, free health care, a great retirement and all the perks that you and I can buy them. While we're at it, let us not forget those back room lobby meetings.

[stusoto]

C'mon dude. You are a fool if you think that Blog's arrest will lead to a new day in Chicago politics. I've got some land you might be interested in.

[etcetc]

It saddens me to see this because Blag did do some great things for healthcare in this state. So that he was so corrupt on so much undermines that, which is even more sad.

He created affordable healthcare for all children (including my own, when we could not afford private insurance). Provided care for all poor pregnant women, as well as coverage for women with cervical and breast cancer. (no matter what their income.)

He needs to resign. But something tells me his ego won't go down without a fight.

[daddysboy]

Did he create all of that great government, or did he simply allow his name to go on the top when all the hard work was done? I'm sure if you look closer you will see that hundreds of people in your area have been working very hard behind the scenes to secure some of that social security for the most helpless of citizens in Illinois. It takes allot of effort on many fronts to move legislation like that forward and even a governor's seat alone doesn't have enough influence to move money to those that need it most.

[etcetc]

Yes daddysboy- There are lots of "invisible" people that made it happen as well. But healthcare always was a personal passion of Blag. And while the man is corrupt, he did do a lot for that cause.

It does take a lot of effort from a lot of people, but the legistaltion never would have passed with G. Ryan in office because he was against it. It passed because Blag pushed for it to pass.

The man is corrupt. But he also did some good things. While we can rip him to pieces for all the bad things he has done, we also should look at him completely and I am just pointing out he did a few good things.

BTW- I am one of those people that did work for universal healthcare, so you're preachin to the choir.

[JJK]

I'll leave it to the residents of Illinois to debate the merits of your campaign, but at least you tried to keep this guy out of office, which seems to be more than most of your critics can say.

However, please know that to those of us who don't live in your State, it does seem that resignations and special elections won't be enough to clean up the endemic, institutional and personal corruption that seems to have Illinois in its grip. Flamethrowers, backhoes, dredging equipment, heavy trucks and landfills seem to be called for.

[SouthernBlueBelle]

Am I the only one to think that the FBI agent went way over the line and in his grandstanding and painted millions of hard working Illinoians both private sector and governmental as corrupt?

I was appalled that that appears to have gone unnoticed.

[daddysboy]

Crime is crime. This was an investigation from the appropriate agency for once doing the job they are supposed to be doing for once. It's just too bad they won't point that investigative eye right back at the currently exiting administration and take a peek at the last eight years of crimes that has been going on.

[JJK]

To answer your question, i think you might be.

I listened to his press conference and I didn't hear any of that.

[Outofnowhere]

It did seem little like grandstanding. But being from Illinois, however embarrassing, it was badly needed. Anytime you have the former governor sitting in jail and the current one being hounded with investigations and still having the outrageous gall to keep up his "activities", it's obvious these scumbags are brazen and we need this shock therapy to finally clean up this mess.

[bayside]

Now is the time to take on congress.Congressmen have done this very same thing this gov. is being charged with and gotten away with it time and time again.. House of cards is coming down ..Lets clean house..

[cheforacle]

Other than Rep. Jefferson of La. who are you talking about? Do you have specific names?

[MartiWilkinson]

"Two years ago I took on Mr. Blagojevich in the Democratic Primary"

I happen to live in Champaign Illinois and do not remember you doing any campaigning in this area. A basic check on Google shows that you really didn't often venture beyond the boundaries of the Chicago area. You can have all of the wonderful qualities in the world, but if you can't run a competitive campaign then how can you run a state?

It's really easy to talk about how state government needs to be cleaned up, yet this is an effort that needs to be done on a state-wide basis with senators and representatives working together. A corrupt political system didn't emerge overnight and it would be unrealistic to assume that the arrest of Blagojevich is going to change anything.

[BurtR]

right on from peoria

[tnaughto]

Also, the skill of being a prolific fundraiser aided and abetted with a majority of the State legislators with back-bones as thick as al dente pasta proved disastrous, or rather, reinforced my pre-existing belief that evil prevails when good people treat politics as a spectator sport. The EE campaign didn't have the 19 million war chest nor access to a private plane nor the support of a majority of State legislators.

I take umbrage to the claim that the EE campaign wasn't "competitive", which is a generous euphemism for "incompetent". Perhaps, I work from a different definition of what constitutes a "successful" campaign. But if activities such as engaging in pay-to-play to extort campaign money, limitless media buys, and ducking political debates are the main components of a "successful' campaign then consider the EE 2006 campaign a disaster.

Whatever defines a "successful campaign" is of no consequence. Even if the EE campaign knew all the issues facing the state back in 2006 (which it did). Even it had a reasonable and efficient plan in dealing with those same problems (which it had). And even if EE was a candidate of the utmost integrity (which he is) it would be of no consequence in your mind along with, sadly, many other voter's minds.

The idea of equating a under-matched campaign with an incompetent administration, if voted into office, is the very reason we are in the position we are.

[tnaughto]

This statement is flatly wrong, even worse, it sadly provides the most accurate account of the current state of the political culture in Illinois. The EE campaign spent time in over 90 of the counties in Illinois attempting to buil support to bring an avant-garde style of governing to Springfield. A governor that would value transparency, honesty, and respect for the State. As such, making 6.5 hour road trips down state wasn't viewed by the campaign as "optional". Instead, connecting with all voters was a priority because the office demands respect for the entire State. On a personal level, as road manager on the campaign, I feel a temptation to second-guess my efforts to spread this new style of governing throughout the entire state. But I know better.

[MartiWilkinson]

I will take your word that the campaign visited over 90 states. However, I still stand by my comment that getting rid of corruption (or at least reducing it) is a statewide effort. If Eisendrath had been elected there is no guarantee that he could 'clean the state up' - at least not without the cooperation of the state senators and representatives.

If anything the problem I see, as a resident of Illinois, is a tendency for people to see this a a problem that is unique to the Chicago area. I've met people from the northern part of Illinois who act as if the borders beyond Kankakee marks the end of civilization and I have relatives in the southern part who don't care to go farther north than Charleston.

Until we can adopt the perspective that corruption is a statewide problem that needs a statewide solution then I really don't hold a lot of stock in campaign promises.

[eden4barack08]

Very well said Ed! Thank you!

It really does feel like it's the first step of many, well, second after electing Obama, in real CHANGE.

Now we just need to make sure the IL politicians all unequivocally follow thru on requesting the resignation, and impeachment if he refuses to resign. Please make sure of that, or people will remain cynic again.

[SurfMonk]

This is just the first teflon test of Obamas' administration. His hands are clean, the media is grasping at anything to make a story, but the story is: focus on the issues, not these self-serving distractors.
We're moving forward as a nation, and the greedy political narcisisits will be kicked to the curb by the motivated, inspired and empowered majority. Believe!

[SurrealPumpkin]

The media is missing the real story Look, Ma, No Cover Up!

[GotRights]

"Now, Finally, We Can Clean Up This State"

Haven't the people of Illinois heard that before?

[Kieran]

Why did Obama not support this primary challenger in 2006? No leadership; a willingness to go along with existing structures and reward systems. Wasn't cleaning up his home state a priority? Pay attention, people.

[AnotherMcIntosh]

Many, many times.

If only one of the political parties could copyright the phrase and then enforce the copyright, they would make a lot of money.

[colemancole]

Great article step-uncle. Now that I am old enough, you have my vote.

[mec57]

Finally? Dream ON!:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/us_elections/article5315460.ece

[Huffpoor]

It's just time for you to run again, Ed.

[jalowe1957]

Rod Blagojevich: A Boss Tweed wanna-be brought down by greed and hubris.

Anyone who remembers the halycion days of Tammary Hall wished they haven't after learning about this.