Ousted governor has no official portrait!

Found this article via today's CapFax morning shorts:

Whether saint or sinner or something in between, every man who served as governor of Illinois has a portrait in the Hall of Governors, the public hallway on the south wing of the Capitol’s second floor. Every one except one: Blagojevich, the only governor in the state’s history to leave office through impeachment.

On the eve of the anniversary of Blagojevich’s ouster, there isn’t exactly a groundswell to change things.  

There is no money in the state budget to pay for an official portrait of Blagojevich that can be displayed with the other 40 portraits of Illinois’ governors. (Those portraits include a painting of William Ewing, who served all of 15 days in 1834.)  

Nor are many people much interested in talking about the portrait.

For example, Gov. Pat Quinn had nothing to say about it because his focus “is on generating more jobs for Illinois and fixing the state’s economy,” said spokesman Bob Reed.  

Quinn’s position was a little clearer a year ago when, in his first press availability after being sworn in as governor, he was asked if Blagojevich’s picture would be added to the Hall of Governors.

“Yes,” Quinn replied.  

Rep. Ken Dunkin, D-Chicago, was one of Blagojevich’s few supporters in the Illinois House. He said he would “love to comment” about Blagojevich’s portrait on Feb. 3, the day after the primary election. Two people are running against Dunkin in the primary.  

“The Senate president isn’t the least bit concerned about hanging Blagojevich’s portrait,” said Rikeesha Phelon, spokeswoman for Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, in response to a question.

Heh, Rep. Dunkin said he would love to comment after the Feb. 3rd election. Even he knows that talking about Rod Blagojevich might possibly hurt him in his re-election bid!

You know, I think he should get one. Why throw tradition to the wind thanks to one bad apple? Especially one bad apple out of many!

We've had a few governors who were corrupt and definitely ran afoul of the law. One night Dan Proft was right during his debate with his fellow GOP competitors for Governor. One step in ethics reform is to not commit felonies in the Governor's office. Surely there is a way to stop a person like Ousted governor from doing that!