If some Illinois politicians get their way, Illinois’ reputation for doing good business could be down the drain.

On Monday, Illinois’ chief financial officer Dan Hynes said his office is refusing to pay for millions of dollars of flu vaccine that Gov. Rod Blagojevich ordered from Europe, but never got federal approval to import, even though the state signed a contract.

Because of a nationwide shortage of the flu vaccine last year, Illinois, as well as New York City, Cleveland and New Mexico, agreed to purchase doses of the flu vaccine from Europe to alleviate the demand for the shot.

Now, $2.5 million, 256,000 doses and three months later, the state is refusing to pay for Blago’s state prescription and telling the company that the governor negotiated with to shove it.

While Blago might not have waited for the proper federal approval for his transaction, the governor made the deal with the best intentions at heart- the citizens of Illinois.

“The company that found and purchased the vaccine on our behalf did so in good faith to help Illinois avoid a major health crisis, and we believe they should be paid for their work,” a Blago spokesman said Monday.

According to a Hynes spokesman, the company will have to sue the state to get money it was promised via its contract.

Not only is Hynes’ refusal to pay the company bad business, it gives the state a bad rap to other companies who might do business that doesn’t have all the t’s crossed and I’s dotted with the state.

Hynes and the rest of his backers should pay the money due to the company- it’s only right when it comes down to it.