After almost two months under a brutal national spotlight, Illinoisans might be tempted to think their problems were solved when ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich was shown the door Thursday by a unanimous state Senate vote.

Examiner Columnist | 12/14/08 10:12 PM At the moment it seems clear that Barack Obama has had no direct involvement in the growing scandal involving Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, but nothing can remove the stench of Chicago politics that engulfs Obama thanks to his appointments of the Chicago Three.