The Illinois House of Representatives impeach Governor Rod Blagojevich (D)

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Illinois Senate voted to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office Thursday, marking the first time in the state's long history of political corruption that a chief executive has been impeached and convicted.

The 59-0 vote followed several hours of public deliberation in which senator after senator stood up to blast Blagojevich, whose tenure lasted six years. And it came after a four-day impeachment trial on allegations that Blagojevich abused his power and sold his office for personal and political benefit.

The conviction on a sweeping article of impeachment means the governor was immediately removed from office. The Senate also unanimously voted to impose the "political death penalty" on Blagojevich, banning him from ever again holding office in Illinois.

Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, Blagojevich's two-time running mate, has become the state's 41st governor.

Category:

News & Politics

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• Blagojevich
• Illinois
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• of
• Representatives

[usvioletswan]

Thank God that crook is Gone!

[PoliticalPotHead]

they're all crooks!

[bigb1716]

After the impechment trial, I lost all respect for Illinois politics. In particular Michael  and Lisa Madigan, Pat Quinn, the Illinois legislature, and senate.

[CubsFanJohn]

@seanlee747 My guess is that is S.O.P. AKA Standard Operating Procedure.

[seanlee747]

Why did they open voting the second time?

[VaderNES]

I'm not a crook.