At the moment it seems clear that Barack Obama has had no direct involvement in the growing scandal involving Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, but nothing can remove the stench of Chicago politics that engulfs Obama thanks to his appointments of the Chicago Three.

Let it be said at the outset — the only way Barack Obama can separate himself from any hint of the sordid corruption that is the earmark of Chicago’s Daley machine is to send the Chicago Three back to the political sewer from which they have emerged.