CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The following University of Illinois experts are available to discuss federal corruption charges filed Tuesday against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
IMPACT ON STATE GOVERNMENT
Robert F. Rich, director of the university’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs
Phone: 217-244-8550
e-mail: rfrich@illinois.edu
Rich, an expert on the Illinois constitution, says that under state law Blagojevich can continue to serve as governor while under indictment and would have to voluntarily step down before Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn could assume power.
Jim Edgar, former Illinois governor
Phone: 217-244-5871
e-mail: jedgar@illinois.edu
Edgar, who served as governor from 1991-99, is now a distinguished fellow with the university’s Institute of Government and Public Affairs. He will be available at 2 p.m. today at the IGPA office, 1007 W. Nevada Ave., Urbana.
LEGAL ISSUES
Andrew Leipold, professor of law
Phone: 217-333-1955
e-mail: aleipold@illinois.edu
Leipold, an expert on the federal judicial process, can discuss how federal agents mounted the case against Blagojevich, the next steps in the case and how long it might take before the case is closed.
ILLINOIS POLITICS, CONSTITUTION
Thomas Rudolph, professor of political science
Phone: 217-244-6431
e-mail: rudolph@illinois.edu
Rudolph is a professor of political science who teaches a course on state government, where he makes frequent use of examples from Illinois politics and history. He also has studied issues related to campaign finance and trust in government.
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