Illinois Governor Impeached By Senate

Illinois Blagojevich Rod Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell President Obama's old Senate Seat. Now he is out of a job.

by Associated Press

Published: Thu, January 29, 2009 - 11:22 pm CST Last Updated: Thu, January 29, 2009 - 11:26 pm CST

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich
(blah-GOY'-uh-vich) has been convicted at his impeachment trial and
thrown out of office.
His removal comes nearly two months after his arrest on charges
of trying to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat. He becomes the
first U.S. governor in more than 20 years to be removed by
impeachment.

CHICAGO (AP) - Rod Blagojevich says he's "saddened and
disappointed, but not at all surprised" at being convicted by the
Illinois Senate and being kicked out of the governor's office.
Blagojevich spoke to reporters outside his Chicago home. He said
that he intends to clear his name.
Blagojevich also said he was proud of his record of
accomplishing "real things for real people." He cited health
care, education and increasing the minimum wage.
As for the future, he said " the fight goes on."

WASHINGTON (AP) - Illinois Sen. Roland Burris says he stands
behind the ouster of Rod Blagojevich (blah-GOY'-uh-vich) as
governor. He says it shows "loud and clear" that there were
serious hurdles keeping the governor from doing his job.
Blagojevich was convicted today at his impeachment trial and
removed from office. He was arrested in December on federal charges
including an attempt to sell President Barack Obama's vacant Senate
seat.
Late last month, Blagojevich shocked Democrats when he appointed
Burris to the vacant Senate seat.
Senate Democratic leaders initially resisted the appointment,
but Burris was sworn in two weeks ago after getting the proper
paperwork and promising under oath that he did nothing in return
for the appointment.

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