It's Nothing New

The Illinois House starts down the road toward impeachment, appointing a committee to initiate an investigation. The Governor's official reaction? Tribune:

Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero brushed off the launch of impeachment steps. "Talk of impeachment is nothing new to the governor, and once the House makes its recommendation then he will have more to say," Guerrero said.

Impeachment--it's old hat to Blago. It's what's for dinner. More from the House Speaker:

Madigan said Democrats who control the House would meet today to discuss whether to proceed with other actions, including calls for a special Senate election, while they are focused on impeachment proceedings. In the meantime, House leaders are expected to select 12 Democrats and nine Republicans to form a special investigative committee to consider a full impeachment before the entire House.

The WaPo notes Senate Dem leader Harry Reid wants a new Senator appointed, but top Dems in Illinois have mostly come out in favor of a special election (though it seems to me their positions may change daily):

That sentiment for a special election has been echoed by state and national Republicans as well as leading editorial boards, including those of the Chicago Tribune and The Washington Post. The Tribune, in an editorial published late last week, wrote: "Quinn is an honest soul and no friend of Blagojevich. But a caretaker senator appointed by a caretaker governor . . . that wouldn't be a great situation."

Another complicating factor for Reid and national Democrats is that a special election is the preferred route of a number of ambitious pols (including many in their own party), meaning that some fellow Democrats may well be working against Reid's stated preference for an appointment.

Hands off, Harry. We'd like something really new in Illinois. A real choice. For a real change.