SPRINGFIELD, IL  The Illinois Senate has voted to convict Gov. Blagojevich, thus forcing his removal from office, according to State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac).

 Sen. Rutherford made the following comments from the Senate Floor prior to his vote for impeachment.

The greatest offense is not just that Gov. Rod Blagojevich's behavior was disgraceful, though it was. It is not just that he once again shattered the public trust in Illinois- though he did. It is not even that he turned our state into a national joke, and he has. No, the greatest offense committed by this Governor is that he has effectively paralyzed state government  and the consequences are being felt by organizations, businesses, communities and, especially, real people in every part of Illinois, Rutherford said. The bottom line is this: while the Governor continues to play a lead role in his own bizarre political theater our families and communities are paying the price.

Rod Blagojevich has hurt the economy of local communities.  Rod Blagojevich has hurt people.  Rod Blagojevich has hurt families.  I know personally.  This has to end and this has to end now. There is no question in my mind that Rod Blagojevich is not fit to serve  this Governor has abused the power of his office. His performance and his treatment of people have been irresponsible, at best, Rutherford added.