While it's unlikely that Gov. Blagojevich will be impeached without formal charges against him, vendors should not underestimate the significance of even the mention of such proceedings. If he is unable to lift the cloud of accusations soon, his administration will be brought to a standstill.

If some state legislators have their way, embattled Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich (D), will face impeachment proceedings as a preemptive strike against likely corruption charges. Blagojevich has been accused or running a "pay-to-play" operation, soliciting contributions from those seeking appointments within his administration. He has also been tied to a kickback scheme that apparently left even his own father-in-law out in the cold. At the end of the day it's hard to tell if the impeachment move is truly related to the alleged misdeeds or if it is political payback for the governor's rough handling of the legislature since assuming the governorship.

Blagojevich has been predictably (yet compassionately) defiant, showing up unannounced at a prayer breakfast and invoking the lyrics of Hank Williams' "Men with Broken Hearts" in his defense.

"You never stood in that man's shoes or saw things through his eyes
Or watched with helpless hands while the heart inside you dies.
...
So help your brother along the way no matter where he starts
Because the same God that made you made him too,
These men with broken hearts."