Illinois’ lieutenant governor says his state has become an “international laughing stock” and he wants to form a panel to find ways to clean up corruption.
Illinois’ lieutenant governor says his state has become an "international laughing stock" and he wants to form a panel to find ways to clean up corruption. Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn told WLS radio Monday that the public’s highest priority should be urging scandal-tainted Gov. Rod Blagojevich (bluh-GOY’-uh-vitch) to resign. Blagojevich faces charges for allegedly trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder. Quinn would become governor if Blagojevich leaves office. He says Blagojevich shouldn’t have appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris as Obama’s Senate replacement. Quinn says he’ll appoint former federal prosecutor Patrick Collins to lead the panel. Collins prosecuted the case that sent former Gov. George Ryan to prison for corruption. ______ Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.