Jan 6th Pardonees Banned From What?
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has taken a strong stance against individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol breach, barring them from holding state jobs in Illinois. His directive, issued last Thursday, instructs the Department of Central Management Services (CMS), which handles state hiring, to reject applicants who participated in the events of January 6. Pritzker argued that those involved in the riot demonstrated behavior contrary to the values of the state government, including dishonesty and a lack of integrity. He further emphasized that anyone who attempted to overthrow the government should not be allowed to work in government positions.
Pritzker’s decision came as a direct response to actions taken by former President Donald Trump, who recently issued a blanket pardon for many of those convicted in connection with the Capitol riot. Trump’s pardons and sentence commutations affected over 1,500 individuals, including some from Illinois. Despite Trump’s actions, Pritzker’s directive represents one of the first significant challenges to the pardons at the state level.
The governor’s move is based on the state’s personnel code, which allows the rejection of applicants whose actions are deemed “infamous or disgraceful.” Pritzker believes this provides a legal foundation to block individuals involved in the riot from holding public office in Illinois. Legal experts suggest that this strategy may withstand potential court challenges, though it remains to be seen how the courts will rule on the matter.
While Trump defended his pardons by highlighting the harsh prison conditions many of those convicted faced, Pritzker’s approach has drawn sharp lines between state and federal authority. His decision underscores the ongoing divisions in the country, particularly on issues surrounding the Capitol riot. With over 50 Illinois residents potentially affected by the pardons, the political implications of this conflict are likely to continue playing out in the state’s future elections.
