Campaigns feud over recall vote

11TH CONGRESSIONAL RACE

It didn't take long for the 11th Congressional District race to heat up.

A day after Marty Ozinga III officially entered the race, his campaign and that of Democratic challenger Debbie Halvorson, the state Senate majority leader, traded barbs over her role in the attempt to add a recall amendment referendum to November's ballot.

Halvorson voted for the measure that could have paved the way for voters to recall certain elected officials. But when the measure, largely aimed at Gov. Rod Blagojevich, was three votes short, the Senate quickly adjourned amid cries from Republicans that Senate leadership call the House's version of the bill.

The measure is now dead considering both chambers are adjourned until next week and the deadline to make November's ballot is today.

Halvorson was not presiding over the session at the time of the adjournment, but her name is on the motion. That's a common procedural occurrence given her leadership post, according to her camp.

"It was not my decision to adjourn the chamber following (Thursday's) vote," she said in a statement. "I was very disappointed and surprised that the recall amendment fell short in the Senate today. I voted for the legislation in both committee and on the floor, because I strongly believe that, more than ever, we need complete transparency and accountability in our government. We need to hold elected officials -- at all levels -- to the highest ethical standards and demand they serve with integrity and honesty. The people of Illinois deserve nothing less."

Halvorson's statement led to strong words from Ozinga's camp.

"Is Debbie to have voters believe that as senate majority leader, she doesn't have the influence to ensure that a good bill passes?" Ozinga campaign manager Andy Sere asked via e-mail. "The fact is, Debbie Halvorson has a long history of doing Blagojevich's bidding to advance her political career at the expense of Illinois, and recall is just the latest example."

The recall debate was fueled by outrage over Blagojevich, who has clashed with lawmakers and whose administration is under federal investigation for corruption.

Campaigning aside, the Senate's failure to pass the amendment rankled many Republicans. All 21 Republicans present during Thursday's Senate vote cast a 'yes' vote for recall. Democratic Senate President Emil Jones and his top leaders voted against it -- except for Sen. Rickey Hendon of Chicago and Halvorson.

"This really is not a surprise considering the fact that Senate Democrats are intent on protecting Rod Blagojevich in any way they possibly can," Illinois GOP spokesman Lance Trover said in a statement.

"I believe my constituents deserve a voice," state Rep. Renee Kosel, R-New Lenox, said in her released statement. "Our current administration has built a strong record of scandals, broken promises and a disregard for cooperation and negotiation. The voters of Illinois should have the right to hold their elected officials accountable."

Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi was the only local senator who did not cast a 'yes' vote. Instead, the Joliet Democrat voted 'present.'

"I refuse to engage in the silliness and political gamesmanship that was at the center of this issue," Wilhelmi said Friday. "Besides, we already have recall. If people don't like the performance of their elected officials, they can vote them out of office."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.