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Illinois Senate removes Blagojevich from office

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] The Illinois State Senate voted unanimously Thursday to convict Governor Rod Blagojevich of abuse of power and remove him from office. Blagojevich, who had been boycotting the impeachment proceedings, arrived on the Senate floor Thursday to make a final plea to remain in office. Although Blagojevich claimed innocence, the senators were unconvinced, voting 59-0 for removal. Blagojevich is the first governor in Illinois history to be impeached and removed from office. Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn will now be sworn in as governor. Earlier this month, the Illinois House of Representatives voted 114-1 to impeach. Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were arrested last month by federal agents on charges of corruption. Both Blagojevich and Harris have been charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery. They are accused of conspiring to sell or trade the senate seat left vacant by President Barack Obama, obtaining illegal campaign contributions, and threatening to withhold assistance to the Chicago Tribune with the sale of Wrigley Field unless two editorial writers who had been critical of Blagojevich were fired. Harris resigned his position after the arrest, but Blagojevich refused to resign.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on January 29, 2009 (boomark / email).