Political Reaction To Blagojevich Verdict
CHICAGO (CBS) – A variety of elected officials, many of them Republicans, began chiming in Monday after ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, was convicted of most corruption charges against him at the close of his federal trial.
Here are excerpts from the statements that were being issued:
"The guilty verdict against former Governor Rod Blagojevich closes a long, embarrassing chapter for the citizens ofIllinois. He deserves everything he's going to get." – Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford, Republican
"I regret the toll on his family. I've known his wife for many years. She's a very good person – Patti Blagojevich and their wonderful children. I'm very sorry that happened to their family. But you have to be accountable for your deeds. And unfortunately, former Gov. Blagojevich committed crimes, according to a jury. … It should be an alarm bell to all of us, in Illinois, in government and outside of government, to work together to strengthen our democracy." -- Gov. Pat Quinn, Democrat
"Illinoisans deserve better. We must move forward with a renewed focus on ethics reform. It is time to beat back the Illinois culture of corruption, restore integrity to the Land of Lincoln and make sure these crimes never happen again." – Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon
"Through his unconscionable behavior and reckless leadership, Blagojevich inflicted damage on Illinois that will take years, if not generations, to repair. He broke the public trust and mismanaged dollars with a zeal that was unique even in our storied state." – Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka (R)
"I hope today's verdict finally draws this sad and sordid chapter in Illinois history to a close." -- U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D)
"Today's verdict is a stark reminder that no one is above the law." – U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R)
"I hope that this will send a clear message to the people of Illinois and the nation: Corruption no longer has a place in our political system. Government at every level faces significant economic hardship. We need to put our energies into demanding more accountable and responsible government as we work to rebuild our state's reputation." – Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle (D)
"I'm glad that the verdict is finally in on Rod Blagojevich. However, this closes only one chapter of Democrat corruption in Illinois. Illinois Democratic politicians who now try everything they can to hide their past support of Rod Blagojevich should look themselves in the mirror and remind themselves that little has changed since the day Blagojevich was arrested." – Pat Brady, chairman of the Illinois Republican Party
"I applaud the U.S. Attorney's office for their hard work, dedication and effort to see to it that justice has somewhat been served. Unfortunately, Blagojevich's verdict and punishment will not restore statewide, much less nationwide certainty in Illinois. We must now move beyond Rod Blagojevich and turn our focus toward working together to rebuild Illinois." – Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R)
