News From

State Representative Ron Stephens

For Immediate Release: December 10, 2008

Contact: Rep. Stephens

618-651-0405

Resolution filed creating Impeachment Committee

Springfield…. According to Representative Ron Stephens (R-Highland), a resolution calling for the creation of a committee to investigate the conduct of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and make a recommendation as to whether cause exists for impeachment was filed yesterday.

“While I am still holding out hope that the Governor will do the right thing and resign his position immediately, the process to determine whether impeachment is necessary must begin regardless,” Rep. Stephens said.

The resolution calls for the creation of a Special Investigative Committee, made up of ten legislative members, with five members of the committee appointed by the Speaker of the House and five members appointed by the Minority Leader of the House. The committee will be given the task of investigating allegations of misconduct conducted by the Governor and making a recommendation as to whether cause exists for impeachment.

“If the committee finds cause for impeachment, the next step in the procedure requires the House to approve the cause for impeachment by a simple majority vote,” Stephens said. “From there, the Senate will try the case. A vote for impeachment must receive a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate.”

The House is scheduled to reconvene Monday, December 15.

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