GOV. BLAGOJEVICH: WE MUST RESPECT OUR GREAT AMERICAN PRINCIPLES
Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 08:42AM IL Governor Blagojevich has told the world that he's going to fight for his innocence, that the truth will come out in his favor. At the same time, the IL House began impeachment proceedings first thing Monday morning, just several days after his arrest for allegedly attempting to sell Obama's senate seat.
As a criminal defense attorney, I know that once the Feds gotcha, you are pretty much cooked. They use phone taps, wiretaps, surveillance, etc. before making an arrest. They make sure their case is pretty air-tight before charging someone. Seems like this is exactly the case for Blagojevich: We've known the Feds have been investigating him for years; however, they waited for the final clincher to arrest him.
But remember, he still has not been convicted. In fact, we don't even really know what's evidence they have against him besides a few released phone taps, and his use of many f-bombs. I think it's tragic that the media and our other elected officials have rushed to convict him and remove him from power before we really know the facts.
Also, we must be mindful of the fact that the very people who are attempting to remove him so quickly from power are the very people who seek their own political gain. AG Lisa Madigan, who is very well respected in our State, is also interested in that open Senate seat. And her father, IL House Speaker, is the person who initiated the impeachment proceedings yesterday. Many people who want him gone have their own vested interest. 
Speaker of the House Michael Madigan is taking the first step toward possibly impeaching embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich, seen here leaving his Ravenswood home today. Madigan did not join the chorus of officials calling for Blagojevich's resignation. (AP)
We are all innocent until proven guilty. I don't necessarily think Gov. Blagojevich should remain in a position of power while facing such grave charges; however, it's important to take a step back and not convict him in the newsroom before the courtroom. It's also important to look at the motives of those leading the fight against him.