Reis Disappointed in House Democrats Refusal to Pursue Special Election for Vacant U.S. Senate Seat
Chosen as alternate on Impeachment CommitteDecember 15, 2008
Springfield, IL.…In an abrupt about face, the House Democrats refused to allow Illinois residents the opportunity to fill President Elect Obama’s vacant Senate seat through a special election. Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) questioned the Democrats motive stating, “Voters of Illinois are demanding open and transparent government in the wake of Governor Blagojevich’s alleged corruption spree. A special election removes the back-door deals and shady, political trading and opens the appointment process to voters.”
One of the charges leveled against Governor Blagojevich involved trading the Senate appointment in exchange for campaign contributions. It was only a week ago when top Democrats including Senator Durbin, Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan and even President Elect Obama supported filling the seat through the special election process.
“Fair and open government is what people in my district demand, and today, the Democrat-controlled Statehouse denied voters their inalienable right of democracy,” Rep. Reis said. “The first step to regain voters’ trust is to relinquish the tainted, political appointment process and hold a special election.”
“Sadly, business-as-usual won again in the Illinois ,” Rep. Reis continued. “Today, democracy fell to the wayside for Democrat’s political protection.”
In other action at the State Capitol on Monday, the Illinois House voted in favor of creating a special committee to investigate and establish grounds for impeachment of Governor Blagojevich. The committee will include twelve Democrats and nine Republicans with three alternates and will meet everyday with the exception of holidays until a recommendation to the full House is agreed too. “I fully supported the formation of this impeachment investigative committee. I am especially honored to have been chosen by Minority Leader Tom Cross as an alternate member of this historical process to bring justice and closure to this alleged breech in public trust.”
