* This is poppycock…

[Senate President Emil Jones] wouldn’t say whether he thought Blagojevich should resign, instead taking reporters to school on the impeachment process – a process lawmakers could take up next week and until then Jones says state legislators should not be commenting on the charges against Blagojevich.

“The legal quandry that they find themselves in is that any articles coming out of the House cannot include the charges in the complaint filed by the U.S. attorney’s office because the U.S. Attorney is not going to turn over to that House all that evidence and witnesses because it would jeopardize the investigation. So that’s the dilemma that we’re in, understand what I’m saying?” Jones said.

The sole constitutional requirement for impeachment is 60 votes in the House. The sole constitutional requirement for removal is a 2/3 vote by the Senate.

Understand what I’m saying?

* Mark Brown is thinking impeachment is a criminal trial…

For instance, all that juicy “evidence” from the FBI wiretaps that has us all worked up against the governor isn’t really evidence at all for an impeachment case. State lawmakers wouldn’t have access to the real evidence against Blagojevich, only the prosecution’s allegations, and the governor wouldn’t really have a fair opportunity to defend himself.

Impeachment is a political act. He can be impeached and removed for crossing the street with the light.

* In other news, some people just don’t know when their time has passed..

A former Illinois politician and statewide office holder is expressing his desire for the now vacant Senate seat. CBS 2’s Suzanne Le Mignot reports.

Roland Burris was surrounded by supporters Saturday – supporters who are backing the former Illinois politician to fill the U.S. Senate seat, once occupied by President-Elect Barack Obama.

“Many of these are really my friends; I mean, I know them,” Burris said.”I am more than happy and willing and able to come to the call of my friend and to try to be able to bring some sanity and help to the people of this state and the people of America, in the United States Senate.”

* And I seriously doubt this will ever happen…

Is Chris Kennedy, the son of the late, great U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, a possible entrant on the list to fill Presidentelect Barack Obama’s Senate seat?

• • To wit: Sneed hears Kennedy’s name has been wafted into the inner circle of Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, who would be the guy who chooses Obama’s replacement if Gov. Blagojevich resigns.

• • Quoth Dem politico Jay Doherty, a Kennedy confidant: “It would give Pat Quinn the answer to the puzzle before him if he becomes governor.”

• • The upshot: Word is Kennedy, who is also the nephew of Sen. Ted Kennedy, a major Obama supporter, is likely to accept if asked.

• • Hmmm: Wouldn’t that be something: An offspring of the legendary Kennedy line as a senator from Illinois? Stay tuned.

I like Chris Kennedy. He’s a great guy. The man has the Kennedy charisma in spades. He’d probably be a heckuva Senator. But wouldn’t three Kennedy’s in the US Senate be too much?

* Other stuff…

* Daley: Blagojevich should look “deep in his heart”

* Is it too little, too late from George Ryan?: “I don’t know how else to say it. My dad is looking for redemption. This came from him. This is from my dad’s heart,” said the younger Ryan. “… He told me: ‘I want to make this right.’ He said it was time for him to say something.”

* Indian Americans linked to Illinois scandal

* Many in Serbia amused, even proud, as Blagojevich defiant in corruption case

* Blago turmoil set to shake up statewide politics for years

* Blago’s wife fair game for shame, but will he try to protect her?

* Bernard Schoenburg: Story of Blagojevich abounds with contradictions

* Analysts lay down some reform guidelines

* Marin: Voters must demand campaign fund reform