Rep. Kirk: Strip Blago of Control Over Stimulus Bucks

Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) will introduce legislation keeping impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s hands off of any money funneled to the state of Illinois in the impending stimulus package passed by Congress.

Kirk announced he will seek such provisions during a press conference in his Illinois district, Chicago Breaking News reported Monday. Any stimulus funds would instead be under the control of the Illinois state legislature.

“I think this is necessary to prevent any temptation to him to provide a parting gift of the billions of dollars that will be made available to the states, including the state of Illinois,” Kirk said. “We want to make sure that federal law denies Gov. Blagojevich any chance to provide funds through his office to any one of his friends of allies.”

Should Blagojevich either resign or be otherwise removed from his political office, the stimulus money would again be under the direction of the governor’s office.

Kirk had been rumored to be taking a “hard” look at running for the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Obama preceding Blagojevich’s nomination of Roland Burris to fill the seat. Kirk has not indicated whether or not he will seek to challenge Burris in 2010.