(Springfield, IL) — January 24, 2011. Taking aim at ex-State Rep. Careen Gordon (D-Morris), newly-minted State Rep. Pam Roth (R-Morris) today introduced legislation that prohibit lawmakers from accepting a paid job within the executive branch of state government for two years after the end of their terms.
The legislation, House Bill 246, would prohibit not only a former legislator but also a spouse or immediate family member living with an ex-lawmaker from employment with any state constitutional officer.
Gordon, who lost her re-election bid in November, was appointed by Governor Pat Quinn to a job on the Illinois Prisoner Review Board that pays annually approximately $86,000.
The appointment sparked criticism regarding Gordon’s vote for a Quinn-backed income tax increase during the lameduck legislative session and the subsequent job appointment shortly afterward.
“In the seven years and couple weeks I was in the legislature, my vote was never for sale,” said Gordon, a former assistant county prosecutor and former state attorney general. “Sometimes, there’s just no conspiracy.”
Gov. Pat Quinn
It may not have been for sale but I bet it was for rent. What about the spouses of Reps and Senators who recently (within the last year) got jobs from Quinn. I believe that they were the most qualified to quote Quinn. (means I needed the votes).
Posted by DuPage Saint | January 24, 2011, 1:02 PMIt is the hypocrisy that is so distressing. Have the guts to say I won and this is what I am doing, if you do not like it, have at it the next election.