Rep. Jackson Says Illinois Governor Sought Donations in 2002

Meanwhile, several lawmakers said that even if the governor is not found guilty of misconduct, the very existence of the criminal investigation could be enough to find him incapable of governing.

"Running a state is a hard thing to do," said Fritchey. "Running a state in an economic crisis is even harder. And running a state with 30 years hanging over your head is damn near impossible."

House members said social service agencies and individuals in their districts are suffering because of the paralysis of state government, exacerbating an existing fiscal crisis. State Rep. Jack Franks (D) said pharmacies and doctors in his northern Illinois district are refusing to accept Medicare patients because they won't get reimbursed.

State Rep. Constance Howard (D) of Chicago said agencies that serve people with HIV and the elderly are cutting services and closing their doors.

"Unfortunately, many of these small private nonprofit organizations depend on state funding, so when they don't have this revenue their existence is in danger," she said.

Lydersen reported from Springfield. Staff writer William Branigin contributed to this report.