FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 9, 2008
Contact: Joe Calomino (847) 204-8514 or Phil Kerpen (202) 349-5880

CHICAGO—Americans for Prosperity-Illinois (AFP-IL) is disappointed at the revelation that Gov. Blagojevich abused his office for personal and political gain. The governor’s decision to use his authority to appoint a U.S. Senator as a vehicle to raise money for his criminal defense and reelection funds is unconscionable. His move to wield his official power to influence the firing of members of the Chicago Tribune editorial board violates the dearest provisions of the First Amendment.

The governor should be ashamed of his violation of the public trust and step down immediately.

AFP-IL applauds the U.S. Attorney’s office for taking a first step toward removing Blagojevich from office. Blagojevich’s indictment comes on the heels of the imprisonment of former Gov. George Ryan on federal corruption charges. For the second time in as many administrations, Springfield has become a clearinghouse for corrupt public officials to launder public funds for their own private use.

This behavior must come to an end.

“Illinoisans should be able to be proud of their public servants. Unfortunately, recent history has shown us that the lure of power is simply too much for our governors to resist. Transparency and accountability measures must be put in place so we do not have to rely on indictment and incarceration to ensure that Springfield is doing the people’s business,” said AFP-IL State Director Joe Calomino. “AFP-IL is engaged in an ongoing legal battle to expose the corrupt nexus between Gov. Blagojevich and State Senate President Emil Jones. Today’s events only serve to reinforce the need for a full and complete investigation of the waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer’s money and trust that is rampant in Springfield.”

AFP-IL has been working throughout the year in support of House Bill 4765. This legislation that would require the Department of Central Management Services to create the Illinois Accountability Portal providing taxpayers with a free easily-accessible website with information detailing state expenditures, tax credits, state employee salaries, state contracts and other important information.

“Americans for Prosperity is proud to be working with Reps. Tryon and Franks who have been instrumental in spearheading this important legislation and we look forward to working with all of the new members in 2009 to pass this important legislation. Transparency is at the very core of good governance and until we put these reforms in place we should not be surprised at the corruption in Springfield,” Calomino concluded.