Press Conference with Lietutenant Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn (D)

Press Conference

Press Conference with Lietutenant Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn (D)

LT. GOV. QUINN: (In progress) -- court of law to defend themselves. And that's what the governor asked for. And I don't think anybody in Illinois or anyone in our country would deny him that. He's fully entitled to that.

But as I just said, being governor of a state of 13 million people and having to exercise those duties, if you have any impediment -- particularly in protecting the safety of people -- then you, really, examining your conscience, should step aside and use this provision of our constitution to allow someone else to exercise the powers of governor during the time you seek to clear your name.

Q (Off mike.)

LT. GOV. QUINN: I really don't know. The House of Representatives, I think, went forward this week with the impeachment hearings. There ultimately will be, I'm sure, a vote of that committee. If they vote articles of impeachment, that has to be brought to the full House of Representatives.

If a majority of members of the House of Representatives vote in favor of impeachment, then the matter switches to the Senate and there is a trial. Each member of the Senate is sworn in as a juror. The chief justice of the Supreme Court comes over and presides over the trial. Ultimately there's a vote of the Senate. If two-thirds of the Senators -- I think that's 41 -- vote in favor of conviction, then the governor is removed by impeachment and conviction. That's the process.

I have no idea what is going through Governor Blagojevich's mind with respect to that, but I do think -- there is a provision in the constitution today that the governor and his lawyers could exercise that would give them full, complete opportunity to defend their rights in court -- that's what they kept talking about, a court of law. Well, nobody denies their right to defend themselves in a court of law. I think that's imperative that they have that right. But at the same time, I think if you put the welfare of the people of Illinois on balance, the governor should step aside. I said that on day one. I say it today. I hope they reconsider their position and exercise this provision.

Q Mr. Quinn, also yesterday -- (off mike) -- he indicated that -- (off mike) -- would not attempt to appoint anyone to that vacant Senate seat. Today we're hearing from his lawyers, though, here in Chicago, that they don't know and sounding a lot more wishy- washy today on the subject. What -- (off mike)?

LT. GOV. QUINN: Yeah. Well, I think the key issue that we must focus on right now is getting the governor to step aside. That is the paramount issue for the safety -- the public safety of Illinois.

There is no way any human being, who is under the legal situation Governor Blagojevich finds himself in, can fully devote the necessary attention to public safety and welfare that the people of Illinois require. I don't think there is any question about that and especially now.

These are perilous times. We should not kid about that. This is a very serious situation. We have to know that the defense, the common defense, of the people of our state and the people of our country, comes first. And if a governor can't do that, then he should exercise the opportunity to step aside.

Q But on the issue of the Senate seat?

LT. GOV. QUINN: Well, I think, that issue I've spoken on. But today, what I just heard from the governor and from his legal counsel, from his legal counsel, they're talking about their position regarding the governor, and whether he will stay in office or step aside.

I think that is what we should concentrate on. I feel that that is the only matter that counts right now. Nothing else can be done. Our whole state, the government is in paralysis. And that is not a healthy thing for any state to be in for one day.

This has been going on now for 11 days. And I think it's time for it to end. The governor can end it right away by voluntarily stepping aside. He can send a letter, to the secretary of State and to me, and indicate he's stepping aside. And I think that is really our focus and should be.

Q (Off mike.)

LT. GOV. QUINN: Well, I have. And I think when all is said and done, the governor would be best advised doing that. But it's pretty clear, from what we've just heard, not only from himself but from his attorneys, he doesn't intend to voluntarily resign.

I think though, given what he feels, there is this other option that protects the people of Illinois. And I think that is paramount. I think we should realize that this is not a trivial matter.

In our country, we have to defend the people, the public safety. These are perilous times. Governor Rod Blagojevich cannot today fully protect the people of Illinois in his current situation.

I think -- listening to his attorney when he came on after the governor, he said if the governor or the attorneys discover that the people in any way are jeopardized, they would act to step aside.

Well, I'm telling him right now, wake up. The people are in jeopardy. And the governor needs to realize that, and his attorneys do. And it's time to step aside.

Q How (are they in jeopardy ?)?

LT. GOV. QUINN: I think that, in our country, the governors are part of the common defense of the United States of America -- every single governor. And if a governor is compromised in any way from protecting the public safety and the common defense of the people of our state, and indeed our whole country, then they're duty-bound to step aside. And if the governor doesn't do it, he really is letting the people of Illinois down, separate and distinct from his own legal situation.

Q Do you think if he steps aside that -- (off mike)?

LT. GOV. QUINN: I have no idea. I think the benefit of him stepping aside today is that it protects the common defense, the public safety of Illinois, and that should be imperative.

Q (Off mike) -- stepping aside -- (off mike) -- technically -- (off mike).

LT. GOV. QUINN: Well, that's in the constitution. The officer next in succession -- and if you want me -- I'll read the exact words, which I think is important. The acting governor "has all the powers and duties of governor" -- all powers and duties of governor. And I think that is the solution to our current dilemma.

We cannot go on this way. We cannot go on for day after day with the people of Illinois held in abeyance -- and their safety. We need to act, and act swiftly, to stop this. And Governor Blagojevich has it within his power to do that, and I would think the people of Illinois would plead with him today to do the right thing and step aside.

Q Did you ever question him?

LT. GOV. QUINN: I don't want to get into that. I do not.

Q (Off mike.)

LT. GOV. QUINN: Do your homework.

You know, every governor has high responsibilities, every governor in the United States of America. They have special responsibilities for public safety. And -- check it out.

Q (Off mike) -- Pentagon.

LT. GOV. QUINN: Okay, thanks a lot.

Q Thank you.

Q What is that you're holding?

LT. GOV. QUINN: It's the Constitution of Illinois. It's a little battered. Okay.

All right, thanks.

END.

Source