Jones: my job was to bring back a slice of the pie

The Governor was at Chicago State yesterday. Even though the dominant news was him answering questions about Tony Rezko possibly giving federal prosecutor info that could lead to an indictment. Let's not forget why the Governor was at Chicago State yesterday, to dedicate a building for his ally Emil Jones:

During his years in the legislature, Senate President Emil Jones has funneled millions of dollars in pork projects to his beloved Chicago State University. On Tuesday, the school returned the affection with a lavish ribbon-cutting ceremony at a campus building that now bears his name.

The retiring Jones (D-Chicago) was hailed as nothing short of a hero by those in attendance, from Gov. Rod Blagojevich to interim university president Frank Pogue, who praised Jones for always fighting for South Side interests.

Jones said he was inspired to use his influence to benefit the university by observing how legislators in Springfield banded together to pass projects for other state schools. He blasted news accounts that questioned his motives and said his actions were an attempt at "parity" and "fairness."

"We learned a lot in Springfield, when they slice the pie," Jones said of the budget process. "It's nice to be in the room when you slice the pie. And [sometimes] I get criticized for making sure that a piece of that pie comes back home here, but that's your job as a lawmaker. To look out for your district, to look out for the young people that attend these institutions."

Wouldn't you want to be there if they named a building after you on a college campus. Especially if you helped contribute to the school, whatever that contribution is. In Sen. Jones' case that contribution was certainly state government support for Chicago State.

Rich Miller notes that the school isn't in his district. But I suppose these comments by Jones underscore the fact that he has been fighting for South Side interests during his time in the state senate. He will be retiring from his Senate seat and as presiding officer of the Senate next year.