Illinois Governor’s Problems Take Toll on State Finances

Douglas Belkin reports on the Blagojevich charges. Federal corruption charges against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich have begun to gum up Illinois state business. The certification of a $1.4 billion debt sale needed to keep the state’s nursing homes open, state troopers’ cars fueled and prisoners fed may be withheld by Attorney General Lisa Madigan . The debt sale cannot go through without her approval. The problem was first reported by Reuters. “Right now we’re conducting a legal analysis to see whether we can sign the certification due to Tuesday’s events,” said Natalie Bauer, a spokeswoman for the attorney general’s office. The certification is predicated on whether there is pending or actual litigation that could affect the debt or any controversy that could affect the governor’s ability to hold office, she said. The sale was supposed to take place Thursday but has been delayed until Tuesday. (link)