Illinois lawmakers have forgotten promises they made three years ago, after the arrest of then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich exposed the state’s culture of corruption for all the world to see. They’d like to think voters have forgotten too. But the poll referenced in today’s lead editorial, done annually by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute, shows otherwise.
Only about 15 percent of voters surveyed said they believe Illinois is headed in the right direction. And it’s clear who they think is to blame: 75 percent said they favor term limits for state legislators.
That’s a position this page has warmed to after many years of arguing that voters could simply throw the bums out on Election Day if they wanted. The current crop of incumbents is entrenched, thanks to the many steps they’ve taken to insulate themselves from accountability. The new legislative maps are Exhibit A.
Exhibit B is the campaign finance law that limits contributions to legislative candidates from everyone except party leaders. Ever wonder why lawmakers vote like sheep? More than 60 percent of voters want that loophole closed, the poll found. But House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton like it just fine.
The leaders don’t like the idea of allowing recall of statewide leaders or legislators. They don’t want expanded corruption-busting powers for state prosecutors. And they won’t give up that shamelessly abused legislative scholarship perk, even with the U.S. attorney sniffing around.
Blagojevich will be packed off to prison soon, but not enough else has changed. Voters, speak up. Demand reform in 2012 — or you won’t get it.
