Dems Renege on Special Election

Statement from Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna on Democrats killing the special election legislation:

“Tonight the world has seen up close the hypocrisy of Illinois politics.

“The only thing more audacious than Democrats proposing a special election and going back on their word is that they did it in full view of the public.

“Speaker Madigan first supported a vote on special elections legislation and make no mistake, his actions tonight directly benefit the Democratic Party.

“Our grassroots campaign for a special election continues and we call on all Illinois Democrats who run government here and in Washington to speak on the record immediately about what happened here today.

“The people of Illinois deserve better."

Tribune:

But the Democrats who control the House decided against immediately considering a plan to strip the governor of his power to appoint a successor to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. They adjourned until Jan. 12, without advancing a plan to hold a special election to fill the Senate seat.

The vote to start an impeachment investigation came six days after Blagojevich was arrested at his home on federal charges that included allegedly trying to peddle the vacant Senate seat. The committee is scheduled to have its first hearing tomorrow morning.

But Democrats, fearful they might lose the Senate seat if it was put up for a vote, essentially stalled talk of a special election. They cited concerns about the multi-million dollar cost of holding the election with state finances in shambles. The lack of action means that Blagojevich still retains the power to appoint Obama's successor.

Illinois Democrats are as arrogant and brazen as their governor.

RNC CHAIRMAN STATEMENT ON DEMOCRATS BLOCKING ILLINOIS SPECIAL ELECTION – Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan released the following statement today.

“It’s extremely disappointing that Democratic leaders in Illinois are ignoring bipartisan calls for a special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama’s Senate seat. Considering the scandal surrounding Governor Rod Blagojevich’s administration, a special election is the only way to credibly fill the seat. I hope that Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan puts good government before partisan politics, and will heed Senator Durbin’s call for a special election."

Who knows what Durbin's position is now. Anything to say, Barack? My God, every time I think the Democrats have plumbed the depths they descend to a new low.

Illinois Democrats did this---because they can. Yes they can. Bleep democracy.