“The serious allegations outlined by the U.S Attorney’s office are deeply disturbing and should be met with swift justice.  Public officials have a duty to put the people’s interests first, and the charges put forward today tell of an administration that has callously pursued its own personal and political fortunes while demonstrating utter contempt for the public’s trust.  It’s an absolute outrage that a U.S. Senate seat belonging to the People of Illinois may have been considered for auction to the highest bidder, and I’m pleased that U.S. Attorney Fitzgerald, FBI Special Agent Grant, and their capable teams have taken timely and decisive action to ensure that such an abuse of power never takes place.  Illinois residents deserve better, and I’m hopeful that when this matter is resolved, justice will be served, and those who have contributed to the culture of corruption in Springfield will be purged from public office once and for all.
 
        “With respect to the Governor, I hope that he will recognize that the magnitude of the legal challenges he faces will undoubtedly preclude him from effectively fulfilling his constitutional obligations to the people.  He should step down immediately so that our state can have an executive leader undistracted by personal battles of his own making.”

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