SPRINGFIELD - Illinois lawmakers are planning to work into the weekend in a politically charged attempt to give Illinois voters the power to boot politicians out of office.

In a rare departure from the normal legislative schedule, the House announced it will stay in session Friday, Saturday and Sunday to meet a deadline for placing constitutional amendments on the November ballot.

The measure is slated for a final Senate vote today and must be approved by the House by Sunday to qualify for a spot on the ballot.

If OK'd by both chambers, a referendum would be placed on the November ballot, asking voters whether to change the state constitution to allow for a recall system similar to what is on the books in 18 other states.

House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, made it clear he is supporting the recall effort, and the extra work involved, because of the problems facing the governor.

"I think its pretty well agreed in this body that this has become such a priority because of Gov. Blagojevich," Madigan told members of the House on Wednesday.

Some rank-and-file lawmakers agreed that voter outrage over the governor warrants the extra work.

"For residents in my district, this is certainly something they are supportive of," said state Rep. Bill Mitchell, R-Forsyth. "This is a weighty issue."

Blagojevich, a second-term Democrat, has battled with Madigan and the House over budget issues since taking office. Allegations that have surfaced in an ongoing federal corruption trial of one of his former fundraisers have added fuel to the recall talk.

Some lawmakers, however, question why Madigan would add extra days of work for a recall bid while the state is facing other major problems.

State Rep. Kenneth Dunkin, D-Chicago, said there are more pressing issues facing the state, including school funding reform, a statewide construction program and health insurance.

"I just don't see this as a priority," Dunkin said of the recall effort.

State Rep. Ron Stephens, R-Greenville, told Madigan that motorists are facing high gasoline prices, but state lawmakers aren't taking extra time to find ways to relieve the sticker shock.

"Use your power wisely, speaker," Stephens said.

The recall legislation is Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 70.

Kurt Erickson can be reached at kurt.erickson@lee.net or 789-0865.