House: No pension in impeachments SPRINGFI

SPRINGFIELD – Inspired by a certain ex-governor, the Illinois House has voted to deny pension benefits to officials who are kicked out of office for misconduct.

Politicians already lose their pensions when convicted of a crime, but there’s no penalty for being impeached and removed from office – which happened to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich in January over allegations that he tried to sell the Senate seat once held by President Obama.

This legislation wouldn’t affect Blagojevich, however. He’ll get his retirement benefits unless pension officials vote to deny them.

The bill was approved, 106-4, and now goes to the Senate.