WMBD/WYZZ - SPRINGFIELD --
The former Governor gave what many Senators
called an impassioned political speech.
But they say it doesn't negate the facts.
There is a long history of corruption and
abuse of power. And today is a great day
for the state of Illinois. In their final speeches just prior
to the vote, Senators said based on the evidence, they had no choice but vote to
remove Rod Blagojevich. But the moment
was somber.
“The enormity of that was really
profound. It's something that never
happened before in the state of Illinois,” State Senator Dave Kohler said.
Senators say they were not swayed by
the Governor's speech and his last ditch effort to defend himself. “It had dramatic flair but the
governor didn't offer one shred of evidence that countered the prosecutions
evidence,” State Senator Bill Brady said.
“He didn't present any evidence or
any witnesses to refute the information that came forth,” Senator Dale Risinger
said.
Risinger and others say the governor
was given countless opportunities to defend himself throughout the trial. But apart from today's one hour speech, the
defense chairs sat empty.
With today's historic vote behind
them, Senators say there's still work to be done.
“We have got to purify the Illinois political system so we don't allow
corruption.” Senator Risinger said. But they say getting rid of the man
they hold accountable for many of the State's issues, sets the stage for a much
brighter future.
“I think personality - policy wise -
with Rod Blagojevich gone, there's big change.
I see a lot of positive things for the state of Illinois," Senator Dan Rutherford said.
