Richard Wandling, the chair of the political science department, was not surprised Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday, but was surprised it happened so soon.

“I was not surprised the feds finally caught up with him,” Wandling said.

He did expect the process to be more deliberate and not happen for a few months.

Both Wandling and Andrew McNitt, a political science professor, agreed that the best thing for Blagojevich to do would be to resign, which would make current Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn the governor.

McNitt said if Blagojevich did not resign, impeachment proceedings could take a long time to conclude.

“We need a Gov. Quinn sooner than later,” McNitt said.

Wandling agreed; Quinn should become Illinois’ 41st governor soon rather than later.

He said ideally Quinn would take the position within the next couple months.

“Lt. Gov. Quinn is prepared, and he would be a welcome change in governors of our state,” he said.

Wandling said Quinn is committed to public service and takes responsibilities seriously.

Wandling said he would be surprised if Blagojevich resigned, because of his maturity level, narcissism and egocentric attitude towards politics.

“I don’t know how he can remain as governor,” he said.

Blagojevich was accused of attempting to sell the vacant U.S. Senate seat formerly held by President-elect Barack Obama.

“I think the appointment process with Gov. Blagojevich is a dead matter,” Wandling said. “I don’t know anyone in the right mind who would accept it.”

Political science instructor Richard Caldwell said that while all individuals were innocent until proven guilty, he said the situation seemed to be in line with Blagojevich.

He said Blagojevich still has the power to appoint someone to fill Obama’s seat, but the person would be scrutinized.

Blagojevich is the second Illinois governor in a row to face federal charges.

Former Gov. George Ryan is currently serving jail time for corruption charges.

“There is a fundamental flaw in the state’s political culture,” he said. “It still operates by rules that might have worked decades ago.”

Wandling said Illinois has a “split personality” when it comes to politics – producing great political figures such as politicians like Abraham Lincoln and Paul Simon, but then producing politicians like Blagojevich and Ryan.

“I would hope that something positive might come out of this,” Wandling said.

Matt Hopf can be reached at 581-7942 or at mthopf@eiu.edu.