One wonders how long this can continue.

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has finally done what she has been hinting at: She's filed a motion with the state Supreme Court declaring that Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a fellow Democrat, is "unable to serve as governor due to disability and should not rightfully continue to hold that office."

Blagojevich is under relentless pressure, from Democrats in Illinois and nationally, to resign in the wake of his arrest Tuesday on corruption charges. The specter of governors being forced out is not an unusual occurrence witness New York's Eliot Spitzer and New Jersey's Jim McGreevey in recent times but a lot is at stake here. There is a vacant Senate seat. Illinois is under dire financial stress. Many Democrats in the state have their entire political futures in jeopardy because of whispers and rumor. And then there is the issue of the president-elect, who happens to hail from Illinois.

This is a situation Democrats want over, and fast. Barack Obama has been, and will continue to be, in the uncomfortable position of having to answer questions over and over as was the case yesterday regarding any conversations his team may or may not have had with the governor about the Senate seat. His incoming chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel Blago's successor in the House is known to at least have some kind of a relationship with the governor. Were there discussions about the seat? No one has said a word so far, but it's not out of the realm of possibility.

AG Madigan, while acknowledging that the state Legislature will meet in special session next week to take up impeachment, said such a process could take a long time, which would be untenable for the state.

There are hints that a resolution could come soon. But as with so much about this story, who knows what's going to happen? This morning, the governor prayed with several ministers at his Chicago home, telling them that he is innocent and expects to be vindicated.

Tags: Crime & Punishment