Gov. Rod Blagojevich has another grand idea to make money for Illinois. No, it’s not another toll hike; there’s a little bit more integrity involved in this concept.

Blagojevich’s administration is studying a proposal that would allow a non-alcoholic beverage company to buy the rights to the name “Illinois” and then market a drink as the official state beverage.

Cities such as Houston, San Diego and New York City have entered into such agreements with Dr. Pepper, Pepsi and Snapple, respectively, but no state has been involved in a contract of this type. Illinois could be on its way to becoming the first state to whore itself out to a company in this manner.

It’s no secret that the state budget is in a little bit of trouble. Supporters of the idea say it could bring in millions. New York City’s agreement with Snapple will bring the city $126 million over the next five years.

But selling the rights to the state name is not the answer to budget deficits. One reader wrote to the Chicago Tribune, “The drink should symbolize our governor for proposing it … a great big Yoo-Hoo.”

Much of the criticism has come from within the beverage industry. A spokesman for the Illinois Soft Drink Association questioned that if Illinois had a state beverage, does that mean other beverage companies are inferior? Even Pepsi has issued a written statement questioning the proposal.

In the past few years, the state has made positive efforts to provide healthier food and beverages in school districts throughout the state. Although the state beverage would mostly be placed in vending machines at places such as state parks, rest stops and government facilities, what message would it send if the state chose pop as the official beverage?

Regardless of what company would be the top bidder, the state should have more pride than to sell itself for a profit. Illinois has more integrity than a prostitute.