Illinois Governor Impeached, Says He’s Not Suprised

Governor Rod Blagojevich says the Illinois House’s decision to impeach him was no surprise because he’s been engaged in a struggle with lawmakers since his re-election in 2006.

AP
Published: January 9, 2009

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CHICAGO (AP) - Governor Rod Blagojevich says the Illinois House’s decision to impeach him was no surprise because he’s been engaged in a struggle with lawmakers since his re-election in 2006.

The governor spoke to reporters Friday in Chicago hours after members of the House voted 114-1 to impeach him.

Blagojevich says his efforts to improve health care and cut property taxes for Illinois residents are related to his impeachment because members of the House resisted those moves.

Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 and accused of scheming to sell off Illinois’ vacant Senate seat. The 52-year-old Democrat says he’s “not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing.“

Friday’s impeachment vote sets up a trial in the Senate that could lead to the governor’s removal.