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Blagojevich Reverses Ryan Term Appointments

By AP/KWMU

Springfield, IL – Illinois' new governor spent his first day
on the job reversing personnel moves made by his Republican predecessor.

Democrat Rod Blagojevich today sent pink slips to 35 people appointed by former Governor Ryan to four-year jobs.

The fired employees are former Ryan aides and political pals.

Blagojevich says the employees were appointed under illegal methods and firing them is the start of his crusade against waste in state government.

Blagojevich appointed Springfield lawyer and patronage critic Mary Lee Leahy to review what he says are hundreds of
other term appointments made by Ryan.

Blagojevich also announced a freeze on hiring by state agencies until he can appoint new agency directors.

And he ordered a review of more than 13,000 state vehicles to see if the state can make cuts there.

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