From the Sun-Times:

Daley rejects Blagojevich recall talk
Mayor calls governor 'very, very smart'

October 30, 2007
BY FRAN SPIELMAN City Hall Reporter

With the possible exception of House Speaker Mike Madigan or Ald. Dick Mell (33rd), Mayor Daley is the last person you'd expect to defend Gov. Blagojevich. Over the last five years, the mayor and governor have clashed over everything from education and mass transit funding to casino gambling and business taxes.

But, that's what happened today when talk turned to a provocative Chicago Tribune editorial that advocated amending the state's constitution to give voters the power to recall state officials - and using the new statute to remove Blagojevich.

In its "bill of particulars" against Blagojevich, the Tribune cited what it called a "legacy of state and federal investigations" and the governor's penchant for "bashing his state's employers."

Daley may well agree with some or all of the Tribune's assessment. But, he's not about to support removing the two-term governor from office.

"Calling [for] a recall is unnecessary. I may have differences with the governor. But I really believe his mind is on public transportation and on infrastructure as [much as] everyone else. You can't say just because I'm upset with [him about] an issue, two issues that you're gonna have a recall. I disagree with that," the mayor said.

"He is very, very smart. He's been a state representative. He's been congressman. He's elected twice governor of the state of Illinois. It's unfair. He's a very smart and bright and emotional governor. Let's be realistic."

But, the mayor made no apologies for venting his anger at the governor as he waits for legislative action to stave off CTA fare hikes and service cuts scheduled to take effect on Sunday.

"I should be upset. I shouldn't just be lackadaisical and say it doesn't bother me. Sure, it does. You have to show your emotions," Daley said.