Pending Blagojevich retrial makes ousted governor renewed distraction for Illinois Democrats
By APThursday, August 19, 2010
Blagojevich is campaign distraction for Ill. Dems
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The unfinished business of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s trial poses a major new hurdle for Illinois Democrats, who were already facing a difficult election season.
A retrial could begin as soon as this fall after jurors deadlocked on all but one count against him and prosecutors vowed to retry him on charges that he attempted to sell President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat.
That means the Blagojevich saga will keep diverting attention away from the pocketbook issues Democrats want to talk about as they try to keep that Senate seat, hold on to the governor’s mansion and maintain their lock on the state Legislature.
It could also remind voters of Blagojevich’s shenanigans at a time when Democrats most need to distance themselves from the drama.
Tags: Barack Obama, Illinois, North America, Political Organizations, Political Parties, Springfield, United States
