Odds long for constitutional convention

What do Barack Obama, the legislative morass in Springfield, and a constitutional convention have in common?

A lot, according to United Power for Action and Justice, a Chicago-based social action network of 300 religious, labor and civic organizations.

» Click to enlarge image

Sun-Times columnist Carol Marin

United Power's Gregory Pierce fired off a letter to Sen. Obama Tuesday. The first paragraph says it all:

"Our nonpartisan organization . . . was surprised to learn that David Axelrod's public relations firm has negotiated a contract of at least $2 million to lead a campaign against the state's best chance for change in 20 years -- the upcoming referendum on whether or not the citizens of Illinois should call a constitutional convention to deal with the mess in Springfield. While your campaign manager is heading a presidential effort whose slogan is "Change you can believe in," his firm is running a local campaign whose slogan should read, "Change we must fear and undermine."

Axelrod, Obama's chief strategist, did not call me back Tuesday.

But this debate over convening a constitutional convention, something voters will get to say yea or nay to on the November ballot, is simmering. And maybe it will boil, depending on the raging discontent of the citizens of this state.

Today's special session of the Legislature in Springfield will only add to the outrage as Gov. Blagojevich and House Speaker Michael Madigan slug it out once again in a budget battle that has no end and a desperately needed capital plan that has no beginning.

Pierce, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, and state legislators such as Rep. Jack Franks (D-Marengo) argue a Con Con is the only way to put important matters in the hands of citizens like the ability to recall public officials, a progressive income tax, merit selection of judges and term limits for the warring leadership in Springfield.

There is plenty of opposition. And not just from big unions and big business who don't want their boats rocked.

Good government types such as former state Comptroller Dawn Clark Netsch and Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability don't believe a constitutional convention will solve the problems that now plague us.

"Most of the problems in Springfield," said Netsch by phone Tuesday, "are not constitutional. It's political. It's ego. It's power. It's how much they all hate the governor and one another. They're all a bunch of spoiled brats."

Netsch and Martire further argue even if voters say yes to a Con Con, it will be that same bunch of bickering legislators who get to set the rules for how it would be conducted. And headline-grabbing fights over guns and gay marriage could hijack less sexy but more urgent public policy matters.

Whether you're for it or agin' it, the reality is that for the moment, a Con Con is a long shot because opponents have more money and clout.

But the one thing that gives United Power and other proponents a fighting chance is the spectacle we will witness today and tomorrow in the state capital. There, the pretense of lawmakers in a public discussion about Blagojevich's budget and revenue proposals will be followed by members of the governor's own party led by House Speaker Michael Madigan trouncing them.

Blagojevich hates Madigan. Madigan hates him back. And despises Senate President Emil Jones, who despises Madigan back.

All Democrats, all dysfunctional, all the time.

Meanwhile, citizens, fed up with being bystanders in this car wreck of a government, are stuck with skyrocketing gas prices, a faltering economy and a growing fear for their and their children's futures.

Oh, and one more thing. They have wily legislators who have orchestrated a pay raise for themselves AFTER the November election, when it's too late for voters to throw them out.

Revenge can be a powerful incentive.