Illinois Republicans are criticizing House hopeful Debbie Halvorson (D), the state Senate Majority Leader and Rules chairwoman, for stonewalling legislation that would allow voters to put downtrodden Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) out of work in November.

Republicans increasingly are attempting to align Halvorson, who is running in retiring Rep. Jerry Weller’s (R) district, with the very unpopular governor, who faces widespread corruption allegations.

“Sen. Halvorson has no problem voting pay raises for herself and Rod Blagojevich, but refuses to call the ethics package for a vote and is waffling on whether to call the recall amendment for a vote,” state GOP Chairman Andy McKenna said in a statement. “Sen. Halvorson needs to stand up for the people of Illinois, not Rod Blagojevich and allow the Recall Amendment out of her committee not simply for debate but a vote by the Senate.”

— Matthew Murray