* A State Journal-Register reporter is sending around an e-mail asking various folks to help them put together a piece about the most important news events of the past decade. Here’s a list of suggestions from the e-mail…
Gov. Rod Blagojevich is arrested and later impeached and removed from office
Former state Sen. Barack Obama is elected President of the United States
Then-Gov. George Ryan clears Illinois’ death row
George Ryan issues a moratorium on executions that lasts for the decade
George Ryan is indicted and goes to prison for corruption
A shooting at the state Capitol claims the life of a security guard and prompts new security measures
Control of state government and the legislature switches from Republicans to Democrats
Budget problems plague state government throughout the decade
The legislature and Blagojevich break several overtime records for session with continued fighting
Longtime legislative leaders Pate Philip, Lee Daniels and Emil Jones hand over the reins of power to successors
Democrats take supermajority control of the state Senate and one seat shy of a supermajority in the House
Gov. Pat Quinn proposes a 50 percent income tax increase to fix budget holes, but lawmakers refuse to support it
Lawmakers end a 10-year standoff and approve a $31 billion capital construction program
Legislators end public outrage over soaring electric rates by approving a relief plan that reduces sharp increases after a 10-year rate freeze
The state’s pension debt grows astronomically, topping $70 billion by the end of the decade
Lawmakers approve the state’s first caps on campaign contributions to political campaigns in the wake of Blagojevich’s arrest
A smoking ban in public places forces smokers at bars, restaurants and public places outside to light up
* The Question, Part 1: Is there anything missing from this list?
* The Question, Part 2: What do you think are the top four or five state politics events of the decade? Explain.