THE BIG QUESTION — Friday, Dec. 12

The Big Question is a feature where influential lawmakers, pundits and interest group leaders give their answers to a question that’s driving discussion in news circles around the country.

Today’s Big Question is:

Can Obama avoid being tainted by the Blagojevich scandal?

See responses below from CREW Executive Director Melanie Sloan, Hudson Institute President Dr. Herbert London, NAACP Chairman Julian Bond, Judicial Watch President Tom Fitton and Americans United for Change President Brad Woodhouse.

Melanie Sloan, executive director, Citizens for Responsibility an Ethics in Washington said:

If “tainted” means recognizing that Obama and Blagojevich are both politicians and both hail from the state of Illinois, then sure he’s tainted, as is every other politician from Illinois. Read the full response

Dr. Herbert London, president, Hudson Institute said:

The extent to which president-elect Obama will be involved is very much dependent upon whether Mr. Fitzgerald, the special prosecutor, decides to investigate historical antecedents in the relationship between the two. Read the full response

Julian Bond, chairman, NAACP said:

Of course the GOP and the right wing talk show echo chamber will try to make as much of this as they can — anything to attack and demean Obama. But it won’t stick.

Tom Fitton, president, Judicial Watch said:

Blagojevich’s corruption is no surprise, but its breadth and depravity is shocking.

Especially disturbing are the questions the scandal raises about Barack Obama and his close associates. Read the full response

Brad Woodhouse, president, Americans United for Change said:

He can and he will. President-Elect Barack Obama won a resounding victory on November 4th in part because he promised and demonstrated through his actions that he is committed to changing the way politics is done in America. Read the full response