Also, as Rich Miller puts it, "I’ve also been talking to some Senate Democrats off the record in the past few days, including African-American Dems. This thing is on a monorail."
http://www.stltoday.com/blogzone/political-fix/political-fix/2009/01/ill-rep-hoffman-top-blago-ally-will-vote-to-impeach/SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Illinois state Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville - a close friend and the arguably top legislative ally to Gov. Rod Blagojevich - confirmed today that he intends to vote for an impeachment resolution expected Friday.
“I can’t imagine how he can provide the type of leadership that is necessary for us to address the issues” facing the state, Hoffman said in a conversation outside the House chambers this morning. “I’ll be voting tomorrow to move forward with the process and impeach the governor.”
Hoffman, a former Blagojevich roommate and unofficial advisor, has been a vehement supporter, at times shouting down House colleagues in heated floor debate as the only voice in defense of the Democratic governor.
Today, though, Hoffman spoke in somber tones, saying he is “disappointed” at the controversy that has engulfed Illinois since Blagojevich’s Dec. 9 arrest on federal corruption charges, and the resulting impeachment proceedings.
Hoffman said he hasn’t spoken to Blagojevich since the arrest. While he didn’t comment directly on the charges against Blagojevich (including the allegation that he attempted to auction off the U.S. Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama), he said the situation has made governing impossible. “If it were me, I would have resigned,” Hoffman said.
Blagojevich has ignored calls from state and national leaders that he resign.
The Illinois House impeachment committee convenes at 3 p.m. today. A full-House vote on impeachment could come as early as tomorrow morning.
