OPINION:
If the disgusting allegations against Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich are true, he will soon join former Republican Illinois Gov. George Ryan behind bars. Thanks to the diligent efforts of U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald, Mr. Blagojevich has been caught in the act - before he was able to appoint a senator. For that, we should all be grateful.
Predictably, however, it looks like some Republicans are already trying to manufacture links between President-elect Barack Obama and Mr. Blagojevich. They are fond of guilt by association, but remember this: Not only did the prosecutor state clearly that he found no link between Mr. Blagojevich’s corruption and the Obama team, but also that Mr. Blagojevich was caught on tape cursing out Mr. Obama for not being willing to play ball. Mr. Blagojevich was recorded saying that all Mr. Obama wanted to give him was gratitude, not money.
Democrats across the board are calling for Mr. Blagojevich to resign or be impeached. Mr. Obama is working to get this economy back on track. Republicans should not try to jockey for partisan gain when there is so much important work to do for our country.
GERALD SHORER
Marion, Iowa
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