Republican response to Illinois Gov arrest

At 6:15 AM today the Governor of Illinois was arrested at home, after a Federal wiretap indicated he had been asking for $500,000 to appoint someone as replacement to Barrack Obama's Senate seat. There's a bunch of other tawdry allegations as well which you can read here if you care. The governor's Chief of Staff was also arrested.



Illinois has a long history of corrupt governor's. Governor Blagojevich's arrest today makes him the 5th Illinois governor to be arrested in 5 decades.



Some people including Jack Tapper at ABC News are attempting to link Barrack Obama to this scandal. As a Republican this isn't a thing to rejoice over. It's sad when elected officials betray the trust that people placed in them. The people of Illinois are embarrassed, surprised, and rightfully angry over this latest scandal. Attempting to link Obama to this is a foolish PR mistake by anyone hoping to further conservatism. It makes you appear opportunistic with your own desires being placed over concern for your fellow citizens. It's exactly the way you alienate potential supporters.

When friends ask you what you think, simply acknowledge that it's disappointing. If they clearly want to pry out some "Republican rhetoric" perhaps mention that corruption knows no bounds and we Republicans have numerous scandals of our own. But because men of great influence are often tempted to sell that influence that is another reason you're for smaller government with less influence. Do not get in to a debate over which party is more corrupt! Both parties lose that argument.

Other indicted IL governors

William Stratton 1961

Otto Kerner 1973

George Ryan 2006