2008-08-25 23:50:02 -

ilcampaign.org - Cynthia Canary, Director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, released the following statement in response to Gov. Blagojevich's announcement Monday that he will implement both a modified version of the pay-to-play legislation by executive order and issue an amendatory veto of House Bill 824, legislation which would include a range of other proposals:

"By vetoing this

reform legislation, Gov. Blagojevich will be protecting business-as-usual in state government. Because Blagojevich's campaign committee has targeted state contractors for big contributions, too many of them believe they have to 'pay-to-play' or risk losing their contracts, and too many citizens are convinced state contracting is rigged to benefit campaign contributors. Many previous governors, including one serving time in a federal prison, used similar fundraising practices, and Gov. Blagojevich does not want to change.

"Gov. Blagojevich is the only statewide officeholder accepting money from state contractors under his control. He has become dependent on millions of dollars from state contractors, and he is not going to give that up without a fight. If taxpayers want fairness in government and want to stop pay-to-play politics, we're going to have to fight for an override of this veto.

"The governor claims he will strengthen HB 824 with an amendatory veto and executive order, but it is apparent he is trying to bypass the legislative process, rather than work towards real reform. Some of his proposed changes have merit and should be debated as separate bills. In the meantime, the General Assembly should reject his veto and put the most important reform in state statutes."

For additional information about the pay-to-play legislation, visit www.ilcampaign.org or contact ICPR at 312-335-1767.

Illinois Campaign for Political Reform
Cynthia Canary, 312-335-1767