:Rod Blagojevich corruption charges

{{wikinews|Governor of Illinois arrested on suspicion of corruption}}

Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich had been under investigation for corrupt activity for four years, as part of a broader federal investigation by Patrick Fitzgerald, code-named Operation Board Games, that had been going on for three years. To date, 15 people have been charged in connection with the investigation.{{cite web|url=http://www.newsweek.com/id/169172|title=Corruption in the Land of Lincoln: These should be heady days in Springfield, but state politicians have been jolted by unseemly accusations|access-date=December 10, 2008|date=November 15, 2008|work=Newsweek|author=Isikoff, Michael|archive-date=December 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217053031/http://www.newsweek.com/id/169172|url-status=live}} Blagojevich had long been suspected to be a target of the investigation, but it was confirmed by U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve that he was the "Public Official A" referred to in the federal indictment of Tony Rezko.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-rezkofeb26,0,1539220.story|title=Judge reveals Blagojevich is 'Public Official A'|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=February 26, 2008|access-date=February 26, 2009|archive-date=February 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201225724/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-rezkofeb26,0,1539220.story|url-status=live}}

Pamela Meyer Davis was the president and C.E.O. of Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois who was a key witness in the investigation that led to the arrest of the governor of Illinois. She began work in about 1989 at Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois. She was leading Edward Hospital in 2004 when the hospital was planning to build a new $90m hospital and a $23m office building in Plainfield.{{Cite web |date=August 2006 |title=USA v. P. NICHOLAS HURTGEN |url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/iln/chicago/2007/pr1213_02a.pdf |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=Justice.gov |archive-date=9 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170209181803/https://www.justice.gov/archive/usao/iln/chicago/2007/pr1213_02a.pdf }} She complained to the FBI that Nicholas Hurtgen, a financier with Bear Stearns, claiming to speak on behalf of Stuart Levine, member of Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board, told her that she needed to employ certain companies or the hospital plans would be rejected by the Planning Board.{{Cite web |last=ABC7 |title=Whistle-blower helped bring down gov. {{!}} ABC7 Chicago {{!}} abc7chicago.com |url=https://abc7chicago.com/archive/6594544/ |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=ABC7 Chicago |language=en}} The FBI were initially dubious at her report of wrongdoing.{{Cite magazine|last=Burleigh|first=Nina|title=Whistle-Blower|url=https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2009/01/05/whistle-blower|access-date=2021-01-18|magazine=The New Yorker|date=20 December 2008 |language=en-us}}

Her complaints and covert recordings she made led to an investigation that led to the 2008 arrest of Blagojevich. When she retired after 28 years service in 2017, a day in June was identified in her honor.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Marie |date=2017-06-21 |title=Retiring Naperville hospital CEO gets day in her honor |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/20170621/business/retiring-naperville-hospital-ceo-gets-day-in-her-honor/ |access-date=2024-06-11 |website=Daily Herald |language=en-US}}

Just before the 2008 U.S. general elections, federal investigators were granted authority to tape Blagojevich's conversations.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rod-blagojevich-investigation-1209,0,6579239.story|title=Fed probe widens to Senate vacancy: Read about the latest developments in this case|access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 9, 2008|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Coen, Jeff, David Kidwell and Monique Garcia|archive-date=December 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212100014/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-rod-blagojevich-investigation-1209,0,6579239.story|url-status=live}} On December 8, 2008, in a press conference, Blagojevich claimed, "whether you tape me privately or publicly, I can tell you that whatever I say is always lawful and the things I'm interested in are always lawful."{{cite news |title=Blagojevich: 'Nothing but sunshine hanging over me' |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2008-12-09-0812090485-story.html |access-date=20 February 2021 |work=Chicago Tribune |publisher=Chicago Tribune |date=2008-12-09 }}{{dead link|date=September 2023}} He further stated that "if anybody wants to tape my conversations, go right ahead, feel free to do it. I appreciate anybody who wants to tape me openly and notoriously; and those who feel like they want to sneakily, and wear taping devices, I would remind them that it kind of smells like Nixon and Watergate." After a meeting between Blagojevich and Jesse Jackson Jr. regarding the Senate seat, when asked his thoughts on being the subject of federal tapings, Blagojevich stated "I don't believe there's any cloud that hangs over me, I think there's nothing but sunshine hanging over me"

File:Rod Blagojevich mug shot.jpg

File:Governor Arrested for Bribery.webm, December 10, 2008]]

At 6:15 a.m. on December 9, 2008, Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were arrested at their homes by deputies of the U.S. Marshals Service on behalf of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Blagojevich and Harris were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of soliciting bribes. The case involved sweeping pay to play and influence peddling allegations, including the solicitation of personal benefit in exchange for an appointment to the U.S. Senate as a replacement for Barack Obama when the latter resigned after being elected U.S. President. Fitzgerald noted that there had been no evidence of wrongdoing by Obama.

Before the scandal, Blagojevich considered himself as a contender for the 2016 presidential election, but was willing to pursue an interim position as a Cabinet member, a U.S. ambassador, or a high-profile corporate titan instead.{{cite web|url=http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2008/pr1209_01a.pdf|title=Criminal Complaint in U.S. v. Rod Blagojevich and John Harris|access-date=September 8, 2010|date=December 8, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090731193705/http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2008/pr1209_01a.pdf|archive-date=July 31, 2009}} The governor viewed his statutory power to appoint a replacement for Obama in the U.S. Senate as convertible currency of the form that could assure this future. Soon after the presidential election, it became very clear to Fitzgerald from his wiretaps that a sale of the Senate seat was imminent; Fitzgerald immediately pressed for Blagojevich's arrest.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1865781,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212174535/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1865781,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 12, 2008|title=Governor Gone Wild: The Blagojevich's Scandal|access-date=December 13, 2008|date=December 11, 2008| magazine=Time|author=Scherer, Michael}} After the arrest, the prosecution began proceedings to obtain an indictment from a grand jury; this process was granted an extension to April 7, 2009.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/10/AR2008121001677.html|title=Rep. Jackson Denies Offer Of Favors for Senate Seat|access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 11, 2008|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Slevin, Peter|archive-date=August 20, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820183422/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/10/AR2008121001677.html|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1870540,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114113320/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1870540,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 14, 2009|title=How Will Blagojevich Defend Himself in Court?|access-date=January 10, 2009|date=January 9, 2009| magazine=Time|author=Ferkenhoff, Eric}}

A federal grand jury in Illinois returned an indictment against Blagojevich and five other defendants on April 2, 2009.{{cite web|url=http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/blago/usblagojevich409ind.html|title=Superseding Indictment (U.S. v. Blagojevich, et al.)|access-date=April 2, 2009|date=April 2, 2009|work=FindLaw|archive-date=September 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090903203905/http://news.findlaw.com/hdocs/docs/blago/usblagojevich409ind.html|url-status=live}} Blagojevich is the seventh Illinois Governor to have been arrested or indicted;{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1865681,00.html?iid=digg_share|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212174312/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1865681,00.html?iid=digg_share|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 12, 2008|title=A Brief History of Illinois Corruption|access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 11, 2008| magazine=Time|author=Suddath, Claire}} and became the fourth,{{Clarify|date=December 2023|reason=the fourth what?}} following Dan Walker, who was jailed from 1987 to 1989.{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/businessinthebeltway/2008/12/09/rod-blagojevich-illinois-biz-beltway-cz_el_1209rod.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211143047/http://www.forbes.com/businessinthebeltway/2008/12/09/rod-blagojevich-illinois-biz-beltway-cz_el_1209rod.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 11, 2008|title=The Chicago Way: The Corruption Capital Of America|access-date=December 16, 2008|date=December 9, 2008 |work=Forbes|author=Lambert, Emily}} As well as the allegations concerning the Senate seat, Blagojevich has also been charged with:

• Attempting to extort the owners of the Tribune Company to fire Chicago Tribune editors who criticized the governor's handling of state affairs.
• Abuse of power concerning release of US$8 million of state funds to Children's Memorial Hospital expecting to obtain a $50,000 campaign contribution.
• Seeking graft in the form of $2.5 million in campaign contributions (through 2008) from companies and individuals who have received state contracts or appointments.

On January 2, 2009, Governor Blagojevich's federal security clearance was revoked by the United States Department of Homeland Security.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28475919|title=Ill. governor's federal security clearance revoked: 'Pretty standard procedure,' says Blagojevich aide|access-date=June 29, 2011|date=January 2, 2009|publisher=NBC News|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829023719/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28475919|url-status=live}}

In June 2009, it was determined by the judge overseeing the case that the Blagojevich trial would start on June 3, 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/25/blagojevich-trial-date-set-june|title=Blagojevich Trial Date Set for June 3, 2010: A judge has scheduled a start date of June 3, 2010, for former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's federal corruption trial.|access-date=June 27, 2009|date=June 25, 2009|publisher=FoxNews.com|archive-date=June 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628084936/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/25/blagojevich-trial-date-set-june/|url-status=dead}} In the wake of the scandal, reform measures are being proposed. Wisconsin Senator Russell Feingold, who then served as the chairman of the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary's Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Property Rights, had stated that he would introduce a constitutional amendment requiring vacant Senate seats be filled by special elections, as the House of Representatives requires; however, nothing ever came of it.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012702621.html|title=GOP Eyes Seats of Appointed Senators: Some See 3 of 4 Up for Grabs in 2010|access-date=February 3, 2009|date=February 2, 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post|author=Bacon, Perry Jr. |archive-date=January 31, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131104820/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/27/AR2009012702621.html|url-status=live}}

File:20070210 Blagojevich, Jones and Schoenberg.jpg (left), Emil Jones (center) and Jeffrey Schoenberg (right) at the Illinois Executive Mansion for a luncheon after Barack Obama launched his 2008 campaign]]

Fraud involving the appointment of a senator to fill the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama’s election as U.S. President has been the most notable charge against Blagojevich. Blagojevich was overheard on a recorded phone call saying, "I've got this thing, and it's fucking golden. I'm just not giving it up for fucking nothing. It's a fucking valuable thing, you just don't give it away for nothing. If I don't get what I want ... I'll just take the Senate seat myself."

Blagojevich sought the following in exchange for an appointment:{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1321363,Blagojevich-Obama-Senate-Seat-illinois-120908.article |title=Charges claim Illinois Governor Blagojevich sought to sell Obama's Senate seat |access-date=December 10, 2008 |date=December 9, 2008 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210131629/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1321363,Blagojevich-Obama-Senate-Seat-illinois-120908.article |archive-date=December 10, 2008 }}

• A substantial salary for himself at either a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions.
• Placing his wife on paid corporate boards where he speculated she might garner as much as $150,000 a year.
• Promises of campaign funds—including cash up front.
• A Cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself to Serbia.

Following Blagojevich's arrest, Richard Durbin, the U.S. Senator for Illinois who had served alongside Barack Obama, issued a statement regarding the prospective gubernatorial appointment to replace Obama in the Senate: "No appointment by this governor, under these circumstances, could produce a credible replacement".{{cite news|url=http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/who-can-name-obamas-successor|title=Who Can Name Obama's Successor?|access-date=December 10, 2008|date=December 9, 2008|work=The New York Times|author1=O'Connor, Anahad|author2=Jack Healy|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=December 10, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210150937/http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/who-can-name-obamas-successor/|url-status=live}} Durbin urged the Illinois General Assembly to quickly set a special election to replace Obama.{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/legislative/senate/2008-12-09-durbin-blagojevich_N.htm|title=Durbin urges special election to succeed Obama|access-date=December 10, 2008|date=December 9, 2008|newspaper=USA Today|agency=Associated Press|archive-date=December 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212101138/http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/legislative/senate/2008-12-09-durbin-blagojevich_N.htm|url-status=live}} Durbin noted that Illinois had a need to call a 2009 House of Representatives special election to replace then-Representative and White House Chief of Staff-designate Rahm Emanuel in Illinois's 5th congressional district. Both Illinois Senate President Emil Jones and Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan stated that they would call a session of their respective chambers to consider legislation to establish a special election to fill the Obama Senate seat vacancy.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28142769|title=Ill. official starts ball rolling for special election: State Senate president to call session to OK special election for Obama seat|access-date=December 10, 2008|date=December 9, 2008|publisher=NBC News|archive-date=January 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160125221933/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/28142769/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081209/ap_on_go_co/blagojevich_senate |title=Ill. lawmakers prepare to decide Obama replacement |access-date=December 9, 2008 |date=December 9, 2008 |work=Yahoo! News |author=Babington, Chuck |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212102101/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081209/ap_on_go_co/blagojevich_senate |archive-date=December 12, 2008 }} Bills were introduced in both houses that would have revoked the Governor's statutory authority to appoint a senator, and would have required a special election instead. Neither house debated the bills, nor were they enacted.

In the midst of the controversy, on December 31, 2008, Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris, a former Illinois Attorney General and the first African American to be elected to statewide office in Illinois, to the vacated Senate seat.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=axZaypeCjNl4&refer=home|title=Blagojevich Impeachment Panel Split on Subpoena for Obama Aides|access-date=December 31, 2008|date=December 30, 2008|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|author=Carroll, Joe}} Blagojevich stated that, per the Illinois state constitution, he had sole authority to make such an appointment and that it was his duty to ensure Illinois was fully represented in the Senate.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1869094,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231142419/http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1869094,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 31, 2008|title=The Obama Senate Seat: Blagojevich Keeps On Giving|access-date=January 1, 2009|date=December 30, 2008| magazine=Time|author=Chua-Eoan, Howard}} Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White refused to certify Burris' selection for the vacant Senate seat.

Senate leaders argued that Senate Rule 2 requires a senator-designate's credentials to be signed by the state's governor and secretary of state.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2008/12/30/washington/AP-Illinois-Governor-Senate-QA.html|title=Not So Fast: Senate Has a Say on Obama's Successor|access-date=December 31, 2008|date=December 30, 2008|work=The New York Times}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}} On January 6, when the 111th United States Congress opened its session, the Secretary of the United States Senate Nancy Erickson rejected Burris's credentials because White had not signed the certificate of appointment.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/01/06/news/news-us-usa-congress-burris.html|title=Democrat Roland Burris Blocked From Senate |work=The New York Times|date=January 6, 2009|access-date=January 7, 2009}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/us/politics/07burris.html|title=Burris, Blocked From Taking Seat, Gains New Support|work=The New York Times|date=January 6, 2009|access-date=January 7, 2009|author1=Hulse, Carl|author2=David Stout|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=April 24, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424133304/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/07/us/politics/07burris.html|url-status=live}} Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid ordered that Burris be turned away from the Senate. The lone Democrat to show support for Burris' nomination was chair of the United States Senate Committee on Rules and Administration Dianne Feinstein, who recognized the propriety of the appointment based on the statutory authority of the Illinois Governor. On January 7, Burris met with Reid and Durbin, the two ranking Senate leaders who stated their support was conditional upon Burris both obtaining the signature of the Illinois secretary of state and testifying under oath before Illinois House of Representatives committee investigating impeachment.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/us/politics/08burris.html|title=Senate Democrats Now See a Path to Seat for Burris|work=The New York Times|date=January 7, 2009|access-date=January 7, 2009|author=Hulse, Carl|archive-date=April 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090417024545/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/08/us/politics/08burris.html|url-status=live}}

On January 8, Burris testified before the Illinois House committee that he had engaged in no wrongdoing in order to procure the nomination by the Governor. The following day, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the prevailing statutes do not mandate the signature of the Secretary of State to validate the Governor's appointment. Further, the court ruled that the only necessary act by the Secretary of State was the registration of the appointment in Illinois's official records, which Jesse White had performed on December 31, 2008.{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Ill-Supreme-Court-Issues-Ruling-on-Roland-Burris.html|title=Ill. Supreme Court on Burris: No Signature Required Durbin: Senate Should Wait, Let Next Governor Fill Seat|access-date=January 13, 2009|date=January 9, 2009|publisher=NBC Universal, Inc.|work=nbcchicago.com|author1=Chritman, Zach|author2=Charlie Wojciechowski|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=February 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202120459/http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Ill-Supreme-Court-Issues-Ruling-on-Roland-Burris.html|url-status=live}} The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that the US Senate's recommended certification form are not required to be used by Illinois and its Secretary of State.{{cite web|url=http://www.state.il.us/court/OPINIONS/SupremeCourt/2009/January/107816.pdf|title=ROLAND W. BURRIS et al., Petitioners, v. JESSE WHITE, Secretary of State, Respondent.|publisher=Illinois Supreme Court|access-date=January 13, 2008|date=January 9, 2008|archive-date=January 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114195045/http://www.state.il.us/court/OPINIONS/SupremeCourt/2009/January/107816.pdf|url-status=live}} The court further ruled that the form of certificate contained in Rule 2 of the Standing Rules of the United States Senate was a recommended form and noted that "no explanation has been given as to how any rule of the Senate, whether it be formal or merely a matter of tradition, could supersede the authority to fill vacancies conferred on the states by the federal constitution."

After the court's ruling, White provided Burris with a certified copy, which bears the Seal of the State of Illinois, of the appointment's registration, which Burris delivered to the Secretary of the Senate.{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Mihalopoulos|title=Supreme Court ruling gives Burris the Senate seat, attorney says|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=January 13, 2008|date=January 10, 2008|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-burris-10-jan10,0,4632293.story|archive-date=February 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090202024446/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-burris-10-jan10,0,4632293.story|url-status=live}} On January 12, 2009, after deeming Burris' credentials valid, the Senate decided to seat Burris.{{cite web |url=http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17366.html |title=Dems accept Burris into the Senate |access-date=January 13, 2009 |date=January 12, 2009 |work=The Politico |author1=Raju, Manu |author2=John Bresnahan |name-list-style=amp |author1-link=Manu Raju |archive-date=January 14, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114101329/http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17366.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-burris-senate13-2009jan13,0,4028909.story|title=Democrats drop objections to Roland Burris appointment|access-date=January 13, 2009|date=January 13, 2009|work=Los Angeles Times|author1=Zuckman, Jill|author2=Christi Parsons|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829023755/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2009-jan-13-na-burris-senate13-story.html|url-status=live}} Burris was sworn in on January 15, 2009, by President of the Senate Dick Cheney.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28625592|title=Senate Dems expect to seat Burris Thursday: Burris: 'I really never doubted that I would be seated'|access-date=January 14, 2009|date=January 13, 2009|publisher=NBC News|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829023742/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28625592|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/01/13/roland-burris-to-be-sworn-in-as-senator-on-thursday/|title=Roland Burris to Be Sworn In as Senator on Thursday|access-date=January 14, 2009|date=January 13, 2009|work=The Wall Street Journal|author=Davis, Susan|archive-date=January 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090118041526/http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/01/13/roland-burris-to-be-sworn-in-as-senator-on-thursday/|url-status=live}}

Burris filed an affidavit with the Illinois House committee that oversaw Governor Blagojevich's impeachment, dated February 5, to supplement his earlier answer to a question posed by the committee.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/us/15burris.html|title=Blagojevich Camp Asked Burris to Aid Fund-Raising|access-date=February 14, 2009|date=February 14, 2009|work=The New York Times|last=Davey|first=Monica|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829023717/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/15/us/15burris.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Affidavit of Roland W. Burris|first=Roland W.|last=Burris|date=February 4, 2009|work=The New York Times|url=http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/politics/14burris_affidavit.pdf|access-date=February 17, 2009|archive-date=February 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218222452/http://graphics8.nytimes.com/packages/pdf/politics/14burris_affidavit.pdf|url-status=live}} Burris acknowledged Rob Blagojevich requested "assistance in fund-raising" for the governor three times in the weeks and months before Blagojevich appointed Burris. Burris said he told Blagojevich that he could not donate to him because "it could be viewed as an attempt to curry favor with him regarding his decision to appoint a successor to President Obama." Burris stated that he neither donated to nor raised funds for the Governor after a fund-raiser on June 27, 2008. Saying that this is at odds with Burris' testimony during the impeachment trial, Illinois House Republicans said that they would consider pursuing a perjury investigation.{{cite news|title=House GOP wants Burris investigated|agency=Associated Press|work=Chicago Tribune|date=February 14, 2009|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-burris-investigat,0,7400093.story|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215185537/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-burris-investigat,0,7400093.story|archive-date=February 15, 2009}} Democratic officials, including Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, supported that announcement.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-burris17feb17,0,6841138.story|title=Burris defends himself--again|website=Chicago Tribune|access-date=June 1, 2018|archive-date=March 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090316144111/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-burris17feb17,0,6841138.story|url-status=live}}

On February 16, in comments to reporters, Burris acknowledged he sought to raise campaign funds for Blagojevich at the request of the governor's brother at the same time he was making a pitch to be appointed to the Senate.{{cite news|url=http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/02/burris-now-acknowledges-fundraising-effort-for-blagojevich.html|title=Burris now acknowledges fundraising effort for Blagojevich|access-date=February 17, 2009|date=February 17, 2009|work=Chicago Tribune|last=Pearson|first=Rick|archive-date=February 18, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090218092334/http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/02/burris-now-acknowledges-fundraising-effort-for-blagojevich.html|url-status=live}} Burris is accused of lying during his January 8 testimony to the Illinois House of Representatives and the United States Senate Select Committee on Ethics has opened a preliminary investigation into the matter.{{cite news|url=https://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=6913571|title=Could the Senate Expel Roland Burris?: Illinois' Senior Senator, Dick Durbin, Calls Burris' Future in the Senate 'Uncertain'|access-date=February 22, 2009|date=February 19, 2009|publisher=ABC News|last=Karl|first=Jonathan|archive-date=February 21, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221172028/http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=6913571|url-status=live}} Illinois Speaker of the House Mike Madigan has forwarded materials for review in the Illinois State Capital and expulsion from the United States Senate is considered a possibility even though only 15 persons have previously been expelled, most recently in 1862.{{cite news|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=6899343|title=New Scrutiny Over Burris Senate Nomination|access-date=February 22, 2009|date=February 17, 2009|work=ABC News|publisher=ABC News|author1=Conlon, Michael|author2=Andrew Stern|name-list-style=amp|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150515105316/http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=6899343 |archive-date=May 15, 2015}} Expulsion would require a simple majority vote by the committee and a two-thirds supermajority vote by the full Senate. In the subsequent days, records came out that showed Burris to have misrepresented a list of his lobbying clients.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-burris-lobbyingcl,0,5897341.story|title=Burris lobbying list doesn't match Ill. records|access-date=February 22, 2009|date=February 19, 2009|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090222173627/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-burris-lobbyingcl,0,5897341.story|archive-date=February 22, 2009|url-status=dead}} The series of controversies prompted Durbin to refer to it as the embarrassing "Blagojevich burlesque" and he mentioned that a resignation might relieve the situation.{{cite news |url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1440286,durin-burris-blagojevich-controversy-021909.article |title=Durbin bemoans Burris and the 'Blagojevich burlesque' |access-date=February 22, 2009 |date=February 19, 2009 |work=Chicago Sun-Times |last1=Korecki |first1=Natasha |first2=Dave |last2=McKinney |name-list-style=amp |author1-link=Natasha Korecki |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406195935/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1440286,durin-burris-blagojevich-controversy-021909.article |archive-date=April 6, 2009 |url-status=dead}} Illinois Governor Quinn called a press conference to request a resignation for the good of the Illinois citizens.{{cite news|url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2009/02/gov-quinn-burri.html|title=Gov. Quinn: Burris should resign|access-date=February 22, 2009|date=February 20, 2009|work=USA Today|author1=Lawrence, Jill|author2=Eugene Kiely|name-list-style=amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223124145/http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2009/02/gov-quinn-burri.html|archive-date=February 23, 2009|url-status=dead}} Several Democrats called for Burris' resignation; the Obama administration asked that he reconsider his future, and a pair of employees resigned from Burris' staff.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-burrissilent,0,4832598.story|title=Burris stays silent despite calls for resignation|access-date=February 22, 2009|date=February 21, 2009|agency=Associated Press|work=Chicago Tribune|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090224063942/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-burrissilent,0,4832598.story|archive-date=February 24, 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/burris-chief-of-staff-resigns-2009-02-20.html|title=Sen Burris's chief of staff resigns|access-date=February 22, 2009|date=February 20, 2009|work=The Hill|author=Rushing, J. Taylor|archive-date=February 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090223152421/http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/burris-chief-of-staff-resigns-2009-02-20.html|url-status=dead}} On February 21, Burris met with federal authorities regarding his involvement in the matter.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-burris-22feb22,0,3773429.story|title=Sen. Roland Burris questioned in probe of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich: Burris told he is not a target in case, sources said|access-date=February 22, 2009|date=February 22, 2009|work=Chicago Tribune|author1=Chase, John|author2=Jeff Coen|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=March 27, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327230420/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-burris-22feb22,0,3773429.story|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/us/politics/22burris.html|title=Burris Meets With Federal Agents|access-date=February 22, 2009|date=February 21, 2009|work=The New York Times|archive-date=June 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610213824/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/22/us/politics/22burris.html|url-status=live}}

Durbin requested a meeting with Burris on February 24 to discuss the disclosures. Durbin told reporters that during the meeting he advised him to resign: "I told him under the circumstances that I would consider resigning". Burris stated that he would not do so. Durbin also inquired about Burris' plans for the 2010 U.S. Senate elections and relayed to Burris that he would be very unlikely to succeed in the primary or general election.{{cite news|url=http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2009/02/burris-meets-wi.html|title=Durbin advises Burris to resign|access-date=February 25, 2009|date=February 24, 2009|work=USA Today|author1=Lawrence, Jill|author2=Eugene Kiely|name-list-style=amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090227101710/http://blogs.usatoday.com/onpolitics/2009/02/burris-meets-wi.html|archive-date=February 27, 2009|url-status=dead}} Quinn endorsed a special election to replace Burris, but there was vocal and procedural resistance in the Illinois General Assembly. On February 25, Lisa Madigan confirmed the constitutionality of moving forward a direct election for the seat formerly held by Obama to a targeted May 26 date.{{cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/?section=news%2Fpolitics&id=6679310|title=Madigan: OK for lawmakers to move up Sen. election|access-date=February 27, 2009|date=February 25, 2009|publisher=WLS-TV/DT|location=Chicago }} The following day, a story unfolded involving Burris' son who obtained a $75,000 job under Rod Blagojevich on September 10 as a senior counsel for the state's housing authority — about six weeks after the Internal Revenue Service placed a $34,163 tax lien on Burris II and three weeks after a mortgage company filed a foreclosure suit on his South Side house.{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/burris/1450607,CST-NWS-burris26.article|title=Burris' Son Got State Job From Blago: Scandal Mushrooms: He serves as housing authority counsel despite facing foreclosure on his own home|access-date=February 27, 2009|date=February 26, 2009|work=Chicago Sun-Times|last1=Fusco|first1=Chris|first2=Tim|last2=Novak|first3=Dave|last3=McKinney|name-list-style=amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090401145632/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/burris/1450607,CST-NWS-burris26.article|archive-date=April 1, 2009|url-status=dead}}

File:Blagojevich medicare.jpg, Obama's Chief of Staff (center)]]

Blagojevich was aware that Barack Obama would have preferred "Senate Candidate #1" (Valerie Jarrett), and made efforts to obtain favors in exchange for appointing Jarrett for the U.S. Senate seat. Blagojevich said in a conversation with his chief of staff, in reference to what Obama would give him in exchange for Jarrett's appointment, "All they're going to give me in return is gratitude. The Senate seat's a fucking valuable thing. Fuck them." There was public speculation as to whether Obama's Chief of Staff, Rahm Emanuel, had a role in any discussions with the governor's office.{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1326788,rahm-emanuel-blagojevich-obama-121108.article|title=Is Emanuel the adviser on gov tape?|access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 11, 2008|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author1=Spielman, Fran|author2=Abdon M. Pollasch|name-list-style=amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090207015327/http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/obama/1326788,rahm-emanuel-blagojevich-obama-121108.article|archive-date=February 7, 2009|url-status=dead}} An internal investigation by the Obama team stated that Emanuel had communicated with the Governor's office about who might be appointed to the Obama seat, but nothing unethical or inappropriate had transpired.

On December 10, Obama called for Blagojevich's resignation.{{cite news | title =Obama Calls on Blagojevich to Resign | publisher =Fox News Channel | date =December 10, 2008 | url =https://www.foxnews.com/politics/obama-calls-on-blagojevich-to-resign/ | access-date =December 10, 2008 | archive-date =December 11, 2008 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20081211180449/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/10/obama-official-blagojevich-resign/ | url-status =live }}

In a December 11 press conference, Obama stated that he and his staff and transition team were not involved in any corrupt activity, and that his staff had been exonerated by the 76-page FBI affidavit. He stated that, not only had he never engaged the governor on the topic of his Senate seat, but he was "confident that no representative of mine would have any part in any deals related to this seat".{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/complaint-suggests-obama-might-have-caught-wind-of-blagojevich-dealings/|title=Complaint Suggests Obama Might Have Caught Wind of Blagojevich Dealings|access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 11, 2008|work=Fox News Channel|author=Garrett, Major|archive-date=December 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212205712/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2008/12/11/complaint-suggests-obama-caught-wind-blagojevich-dealings/|url-status=live}} His administration compiled a summary of who might have known what at various times. Obama stated that he did not think Blagojevich could "effectively serve the people of Illinois" and that his former Senate seat "belongs to the people". He also stated that to his knowledge, no representatives of his had engaged in any dealmaking with the governor.[http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/11/blagojevich/index.html Obama says staff had no role in Illinois governor scandal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212222526/http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/12/11/blagojevich/index.html |date=December 12, 2008 }}. CNN, December 11, 2008.

{{quote box

| style="width:23em;"|They're not willing to give me anything except appreciation. Fuck them.|—Rod Blagojevich

}}

On December 15, the Obama team confirmed that its internal review found no inappropriate contact between Obama's staff and Blagojevich or his staff,{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-blagojevich16-2008dec16,0,4886620.story|title=Obama review finds no improper contact with Blagojevich|access-date=December 16, 2008|date=December 15, 2008|work=Los Angeles Times|author=Muskal, Michael|archive-date=December 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216010604/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-blagojevich16-2008dec16,0,4886620.story|url-status=live}} stating "that review affirmed the public statements of the president-elect that he had no contact with the governor or his staff over the selection of his successor as U.S. president-elect's staff was not involved in inappropriate discussions with the governor or his staff over the selection of his successor as U.S. Senator".{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98300727&ft=1&f=1003|title=Illinois Lawmakers Weigh Blagojevich Impeachment|access-date=December 15, 2008|date=December 15, 2008|publisher=NPR|author=Tedford, Deborah|archive-date=December 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216020307/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98300727&ft=1&f=1003|url-status=live}}

In April 2010, Blagojevich moved to subpoena Obama.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/blagojevich-defense-team-moves-to-subpoena-obama/|title=Blagojevich Defense Team Moves to Subpoena Obama|access-date=April 25, 2010|date=April 22, 2010|publisher=CBS News|author=Condon, Stephanie|archive-date=April 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100425022357/http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20003201-503544.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/04/22/blagojevich-attorneys-want-to-subpoena-obama/|title=Blagojevich attorneys want to subpoena Obama: President key to proving former governor's innocence, lawyers suggest in court filing|access-date=April 25, 2010|date=April 22, 2010|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Coen, Jeff, Rick Pearson and Bob Secte|archive-date=April 26, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100426104412/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-04-22/news/ct-met-obama-blagojevich-subpoena-0423-20100422_1_obama-and-blagojevich-blagojevich-attorneys-antoin-tony-rezko|url-status=live}}

{{multiple image

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| footer = Several national and state officials called for Blagojevich to resign.

Calls for Resignation from Prominent Democrats

• On December 10, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama
• On December 11, 2008, DNC Chair Howard Dean
• On December 9, 2008, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn
• Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan
• Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White
• Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias
• Illinois Comptroller Daniel Hynes
• On December 10, 2008, all 50 members of the Democratic Caucus of the United States Senate in a letter sent by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid
• State Representative John Fritchey
• Colorado Governor Bill Ritter
• U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky,{{cite news|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/12/15/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4668521.shtml|title=Rep. Schakowsky Calls For Blagojevich To Be Removed|access-date=January 7, 2009|date=December 15, 2008|publisher=CBS News|author=Hechtkopf, Kevin|archive-date=December 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225082909/http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/12/15/politics/politicalhotsheet/entry4668521.shtml|url-status=live}} Jerry Costello{{cite web|url=http://www.dailyrepublicannews.com/article/20081218/News/312189875|title=Costello urges Blagojevich to resign|access-date=January 7, 2009|date=December 18, 2008|work=The Daily Republican|author=Hawkins, Matt|archive-date=December 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213065641/http://www.dailyrepublicannews.com/article/20081218/News/312189875|url-status=live}}

Calls for Resignation from Prominent Republicans

• Illinois Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson
• U.S. Congressman John Shimkus

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After his arrest, Blagojevich appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan R. Nolan, in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and was released on a $4,500 signature bond. He was also ordered to surrender his passport and his firearm owner's identification card. He then returned to work where his office issued a statement saying the "allegations do nothing to impact the services, duties or function of the State".

Had he pleaded guilty to the charges, Blagojevich would have been automatically forced to resign, as the Illinois Constitution does not allow convicted felons to hold office.{{cite web|url=http://www.ilga.gov/commission/lrb/conent.htm|title=Illinois Constitution, Art. XIII, Sec 1|access-date=December 16, 2008|archive-date=December 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216013143/http://www.ilga.gov/commission/lrb/conent.htm|url-status=live}}

On December 11, 2008, Democratic Illinois Representative John Fritchey circulated a letter to the Illinois House Democratic Caucus to outline options for moving beyond the crisis caused by the criminal allegations against Blagojevich. In the letter, Fritchey mentioned the following scenarios to replace Blagojevich:

1. Voluntary resignation of Blagojevich as Governor of Illinois,
2. Filing of a Rule 382 motion by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan with the Illinois Supreme Court to seek a judicial ruling that Blagojevich was unable or unwilling to carry out his gubernatorial duties, and
3. Introducing a motion in the Illinois House of Representatives to begin impeachment proceedings against Governor Blagojevich.Levin, J. (December 11, 2008). [http://llnw.static.cbslocal.com/station/wbbm/docs/colleague_letter_re_impeachment.pdf Blagojevich considering resignation: Sources.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217042434/http://llnw.static.cbslocal.com/station/wbbm/docs/colleague_letter_re_impeachment.pdf |date=December 17, 2008 }} WBBM-TV. Retrieved December 12, 2008.

Between December 13 and December 14, Blagojevich's attorney Ed Genson, at hearings by the Illinois House of Representatives' Special Committee on Impeachment, stated that the Governor would not resign.

Blagojevich faced calls from members of both major parties and prominent politicians to resign. On December 9, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn said in a news conference that Blagojevich should temporarily step aside from his office.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/source-feds-take-gov-blagojevich-into-custody.html|title=Blagojevich arrested on federal charges|access-date=December 10, 2008|date=December 9, 2008|work=Breaking News|author1=Coen, Jeff|author2=Rick Pearson|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=January 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115203508/http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/source-feds-take-gov-blagojevich-into-custody.html|url-status=live}} On December 10, he went further and called for Blagojevich to resign, and also raised questions regarding his mental health.{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6442798&page=1|title=Just Another Day at the Governor's Office: Blagojevich Back at Work Again|access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 11, 2008|publisher=ABC News|author=Jaffe, Matthew|archive-date=December 13, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081213113654/http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=6442798&page=1|url-status=live}} The state's other top elected officials—Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Comptroller Dan Hynes, Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, and Secretary of State Jesse White—also called for Blagojevich to resign.{{cite web|url=http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2008_12/20081209.html|title=Madigan statement on Blagojevich charges|access-date=December 13, 2008|date=December 9, 2008|publisher=Illinois Attorney General|archive-date=December 14, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214194749/http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2008_12/20081209.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ioc.state.il.us/news/viewnewsrelease.cfm?id=2070837237|title=Hynes statement on Blagojevich charges|access-date=December 13, 2008|date=December 9, 2008|publisher=Illinois Office of the Comptroller|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214230505/http://www.ioc.state.il.us/news/viewnewsrelease.cfm?id=2070837237|archive-date=December 14, 2008|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cbs2chicago.com/local/governor.blagojevich.silence.2.884874.html |title=Blagojevich Remains Silent Amid Charges |access-date=December 13, 2008 |date=December 11, 2008 |publisher=WBBM-TV |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203160536/http://cbs2chicago.com/local/governor.blagojevich.silence.2.884874.html |archive-date=February 3, 2009 }}

Outgoing Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean also called for the governor to step down.{{cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/12/dean_joins_call.html|title=Dean joins calls for resignation, but Blagojevich not budging|access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 11, 2008|work=Boston Globe.com|first=Foon|last=Rhee|archive-date=February 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090203074419/http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligence/2008/12/dean_joins_call.html|url-status=live}}

On December 10, 2008, the Democratic Caucus of the United States Senate called for Blagojevich to resign and demanded that he not appoint a replacement for Obama. The letter also mentioned that, if Blagojevich appointed a successor to Obama in the U.S. Senate, the U.S. Senate would be "forced to exercise [its] Constitutional authority under Article I, Section 5, to determine whether such a person should be seated".{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2008/12/11/news/news-us-blagojevich.html|title=Illinois Governor on The Job Despite Calls to Quit |access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 11, 2008|work=The New York Times}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1208/All_50_Dem_senators_call_on_Blagojevich_to_resign.html|title=All 50 Dem senators call on Blagojevich to resign|access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 10, 2008|work=Politico|author=Kady, Martin II|archive-date=December 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211220249/http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1208/All_50_Dem_senators_call_on_Blagojevich_to_resign.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://democrats.senate.gov/pdfs/Letter%20to%20Governor%20Blagojevich.pdf|title=Democrats.Senate.gov|access-date=June 1, 2018|archive-date=December 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217042434/http://democrats.senate.gov/pdfs/Letter%20to%20Governor%20Blagojevich.pdf|url-status=live}} Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid indicated that the Senate might not seat a Blagojevich appointment because such an appointee "would be under a cloud of suspicion".

Illinois' remaining senator, Majority Whip Dick Durbin, urged the state legislature to quickly set a special election to fill Obama's vacant Senate seat, saying that any appointment by Blagojevich would not be legitimate.{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/legislative/senate/2008-12-09-durbin-blagojevich_N.htm |title=Durbin urges special election to succeed Obama |agency=Associated Press |work=USA Today |date=December 9, 2008 |access-date=December 9, 2008 |archive-date=December 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212101138/http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/legislative/senate/2008-12-09-durbin-blagojevich_N.htm |url-status=live }}

Illinois Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson, Illinois Congressman John Shimkus, and many Illinois state legislators from both parties also called for Blagojevich to resign.

{{cite news

| last = Ortiviz

| first = David

| title = Gov. Ritter says Illinois Governor should resign

| publisher = KOAA-T

| date = December 11, 2008

| url = http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x1589517796/Gov-Ritter-says-Illinois-Governor-should-resign

| access-date = December 11, 2008

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081215022116/http://www.koaa.com/aaaa_top_stories/x1589517796/Gov-Ritter-says-Illinois-Governor-should-resign

| archive-date = December 15, 2008

| url-status = dead

| df = mdy-all

}}

{{cite news|last=Pawlaczyk |first=George |title='This is a sad day for Illinois,' U.S. Sen. Durbin says of governor's arrest |newspaper=Belleville News-Democrat |date=December 9, 2008 |url=http://www.bnd.com/546/story/572287.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130812073900/http://www.bnd.com/546/story/572287.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 12, 2013 |access-date=December 11, 2008 }}

House Speaker Madigan thought that it would be inappropriate to make a statement calling for a resignation or a statement supporting an impeachment because he would have to preside over any impeachment debate.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081215/ap_on_re_us/illinois_governor |title=Ill. lawmakers take first step to oust Blagojevich |access-date=December 16, 2008 |date=December 15, 2008 |work=Yahoo! News |author=Wills, Christopher |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215150308/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081215/ap_on_re_us/illinois_governor |archive-date=December 15, 2008 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28236008|title=Ill. House speaker launches impeachment panel: Special committee to review case, recommend on Blagojevich future|access-date=December 16, 2008|date=December 15, 2008|publisher=NBC News.com|archive-date=January 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126113740/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/28236008/|url-status=live}}

On December 19, 2008, at the James R. Thompson Center, Blagojevich said that he "ha[d] done nothing wrong" and would not resign as governor in the face of federal corruption charges. He added that he would "answer [all questions] in the appropriate forum: in a court of law", where he believed he would be "vindicated", vowing to fight "false accusations and a political lynch mob".[https://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/us/20blago.html?hp" "‘I Will Fight’, Blagojevich Unapologetically Vows"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412131247/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/20/us/20blago.html?hp |date=April 12, 2016 }}, The New York Times. December 19, 2008.[http://blog.marketingdoctor.tv/2008/12/20/brand-winners-and-losers-blagojevich-and-big-ad-buys.aspx" "Brand Winners... And Losers: Blagojevich and Big Ad Buys"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090315215426/http://blog.marketingdoctor.tv/2008/12/20/brand-winners-and-losers-blagojevich-and-big-ad-buys.aspx |date=March 15, 2009 }} Marketing Doctor Blog. December 20, 2008. He proceeded to quote from Rudyard Kipling's poem If—.{{cite web|url=http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/vidLink.php?b=1229720845&e=1229721145&n=1/|title=Governor Blagojevich Remarks|access-date=December 19, 2008|date=December 19, 2008|publisher=C-SPAN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216234127/http://www.c-spanarchives.org/library/vidLink.php?b=1229720845&e=1229721145&n=1%2F|archive-date=February 16, 2012|url-status=dead}} After reading the prepared statement, Blagojevich exited the room and did not take any questions.{{cite news|url=http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/blagojevich-to-hold-2-pm-press-conference.html|title=Blagojevich: 'I have done nothing wrong'|publisher=Chicago Breaking News|date=December 19, 2008|access-date=January 28, 2009|archive-date=January 26, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126184515/http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/blagojevich-to-hold-2-pm-press-conference.html|url-status=live}}

On December 12, 2008, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan began legal proceedings in the Illinois Supreme Court to have Blagojevich declared "unfit to serve" in case he did not resign.{{cite web|url=http://www.state.il.us/court/SupremeCourt/SpecialMatters/default.asp|title=People v. Rod Blagojevich|date=December 12, 2008|access-date=December 12, 2008|archive-date=December 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215061802/http://www.state.il.us/court/SupremeCourt/SpecialMatters/default.asp|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1322980,CST-NWS-resign10.stng|title=Madigan may take him to high court|access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 11, 2008|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=McKinney, Dave and Mark J. Konkol|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090214210609/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1322980,CST-NWS-resign10.stng|archive-date=February 14, 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-illinoisgov1211,0,2852636.story |title=Blagojevich could be declared unfit to govern Illinois |access-date=December 12, 2008 |date=December 11, 2008 |agency=Associated Press |work=The Baltimore Sun |author1=Bellandi, Deanna |author2=Christopher Wills |name-list-style=amp }}{{dead link|date=April 2016|bot=medic}}

Madigan filed a motion with the Illinois Supreme Court asking it to temporarily suspend Blagojevich's powers by declaring him unable to serve and name Lieutenant Governor Quinn as acting governor. Failing that, Madigan sought a temporary injunction barring Blagojevich from appointing a replacement for Obama. She said that given the nature of the charges, the situation was too severe to wait for the legislature to act.[http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/attorney-gen-lisa-madigan-supreme-court-blagojevich-unable-to-serve.html Madigan to court: Declare Blagojevich unfit] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126222600/http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/attorney-gen-lisa-madigan-supreme-court-blagojevich-unable-to-serve.html |date=January 26, 2009 }} Chicago Tribune, December 12, 2008 The Supreme Court, however, in orders without opinions, denied Madigan leave to file the complaint,{{cite web|url=http://www.state.il.us/court/SupremeCourt/Announce/2008/121708_1.pdf|title=People of the State of Illinois v. Rod Blagojevich, Order on Motion for Leave to File an Original Action Pursuant to Supreme Court Rule 382|publisher=Supreme Court of Illinois|date=December 17, 2008|access-date=January 28, 2009|archive-date=February 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205005342/http://www.state.il.us/court/SupremeCourt/Announce/2008/121708_1.pdf|url-status=live}} and it denied the motion for temporary relief.{{cite web|url=http://www.state.il.us/court/SupremeCourt/Announce/2008/121708_2.pdf|title=People of the State of Illinois v. Rod Blagojevich, Order on Motion for Temporary Restraining Order and/or Preliminary Injunction|publisher=Supreme Court of Illinois|date=December 17, 2008|access-date=January 28, 2009|archive-date=February 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205005347/http://www.state.il.us/court/SupremeCourt/Announce/2008/121708_2.pdf|url-status=live}}

According to the FBI affidavit, Blagojevich attempted to have Chicago Tribune writers fired for discussing his possible impeachment.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1865471,00.html |title=Illinois Governor Tried to Get Tribune Writers Fired |access-date=December 12, 2008 |magazine=Time |author=Carpenter, Dave |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212181544/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1865471,00.html |archive-date=December 12, 2008 }} Jan Schakowsky, a Democrat representing Illinois's 9th congressional district, called for impeachment proceedings to begin should Blagojevich not resign promptly.

On December 15, just six days after the scandal broke with no resignation by the Governor, the Illinois House voted unanimously 113–0 to begin impeachment proceedings.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-house-rod-blagojevich-impeachment,0,2988757.story|title=House approves impeachment probe; Senate proposal on hold|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=December 16, 2008|date=December 15, 2008|author1=Long, Ray|author2=Rick Pearson|name-list-style=amp|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081219010903/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-house-rod-blagojevich-impeachment,0,2988757.story|archive-date=December 19, 2008|url-status=dead}}[http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/95/house/09500HR1650_12152008_002000.pdf Vote on House Resolution 1650] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100806184129/http://ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/95/house/09500HR1650_12152008_002000.pdf |date=August 6, 2010 }} to create a Special Investigative Committee This was the first impeachment inquiry against an Illinois Governor.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-blagojevich-main16dec16,0,1781213.story|title=Impeachment inquiry launched: Meet the members of the impeachment committee.|access-date=December 18, 2008|date=December 16, 2008|work=Chicago Tribune|author1=Long, Ray|author2=Rick Pearson|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=December 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217050433/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-blagojevich-main16dec16,0,1781213.story|url-status=live}} Also, on that same day, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan formed a bipartisan committee of inquiry within the House of Representatives to run an impeachment inquiry.{{cite web|url=http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/speaker-madigan-to-discuss-blagojevich.html|title=Michael Madigan launches impeachment inquiry|access-date=December 15, 2008|date=December 15, 2008|publisher=CLTV, WGN-TV, WGN (AM), Chicago Tribune|work=Breaking News|author1=Long, Ray|author2=Rick Pearson|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=December 16, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216151414/http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2008/12/speaker-madigan-to-discuss-blagojevich.html|url-status=live}}

{{Blockquote|It is my intention to appoint a special committee to begin immediately an investigation into the governor's conduct in office and to undertake the preparatory work that is a prerequisite to an impeachment proceeding in the Illinois House|Michael Madigan}}

Madigan further stated, "We have given the governor six days to resign." He also stated that the committee would work every day except Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day until they had completed their report. The Illinois House would decide whether to impeach after the committee completed its review. The Illinois Senate would then have a trial to remove the Governor from office. Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie was the chairperson of the Special Committee on Impeachment.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081216/ap_on_re_us/illinois_governor |title=Illinois impeachment panel begins work |access-date=December 16, 2008 |date=December 16, 2008 |work=Yahoo! News |author=Robinson, Mike, Deanna Bellandi and John O'Connor |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216010526/http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081216/ap_on_re_us/illinois_governor |archive-date=December 16, 2008 }}{{cite news|url=http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/12/illinois_house_speaker_mike_ma.html|title=Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, Majority leader Barbara Flynn Currie on Blagojevich impeachment. Transcript|access-date=December 16, 2008|date=December 15, 2008|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Sweet, Lynn|archive-date=December 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217140535/http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/12/illinois_house_speaker_mike_ma.html|url-status=live}}

Madigan stated that the impeachment committee would consider the pending criminal charges as well as review other possible wrongdoing during Blagojevich's term such as abuse of power, taking action without legal authority, ignoring state laws, and defying lawful requests for information from the General Assembly. Currie further stated that among the controversial actions under review by the committee would be the Blagojevich administration's purchase of a flu vaccine that was never distributed and his unilateral decision to send a $1 million grant to a private school that was damaged when the historic Pilgrim Baptist Church was destroyed by fire. She also warned that the panel's interest in investigating alleged criminal activities surrounding Blagojevich might be affected by how much cooperation was forthcoming from federal investigators, which was supported by a formal written request to Prosecutor Fitzgerald.{{cite news|url=http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/12/impeachment-pan.html|title=Impeachment panel launches investigation|access-date=December 16, 2008|date=December 16, 2008|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Long, Ray|archive-date=December 17, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217043126/http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/12/impeachment-pan.html|url-status=live}} On December 30, Fitzgerald filed a motion to allow the impeachment committee to hear the conversations recorded by wiretap during his federal investigation.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hVNAcA-xtCA6PKQ8h5s7dBlD_BKwD95D035O0|title=Feds want lawmakers to hear 4 Blagojevich wiretaps|access-date=December 31, 2008|date=December 30, 2008|agency=Associated Press|author=Wills, Christopher}}{{dead link|date=June 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}

{{Wikinews|Illinois House impeaches Blagojevich}}

On January 8, 2009, after the testimony by Roland Burris, the 21-member bipartisan committee on impeachment voted unanimously to recommend that the House impeach the Governor.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/us/09illinois.html|title=Panel Recommends Impeaching Blagojevich|access-date=January 10, 2009|date=January 8, 2009|work=The New York Times|author=Saulny, Susan|archive-date=January 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108193419/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/09/us/09illinois.html|url-status=live}} The following day, the full House voted 114–1 to impeach the governor. The lone dissenter was Chicago-area Representative Milton Patterson; three other representatives abstained.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/10/us/politics/10illinois.html|title=Illinois House Impeaches Governor|access-date=April 21, 2009|date=January 9, 2009|work=The New York Times|author=Saulny, Susan|archive-date=May 17, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120517005916/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/10/us/politics/10illinois.html|url-status=live}}[http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/95/house/09500HR1671_01092009_002000.pdf Vote on House Resolution 1671] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120601165343/http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/95/house/09500HR1671_01092009_002000.pdf |date=June 1, 2012 }} to impeach Gov. Blagojevich After the Illinois House impeached Blagojevich, the Illinois Senate held a trial at which Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas R. Fitzgerald presided. Under the Illinois Constitution, Fitzgerald rather than Senate President John Cullerton, presided because the accused was the governor.{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1329925,CST-NWS-impeach14.article|title=Why is Michael Madigan waiting to impeach Blagojevich?|access-date=December 16, 2008|date=December 13, 2008|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=McKinney, Dave|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215143852/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1329925,CST-NWS-impeach14.article|archive-date=February 15, 2009|url-status=dead}}

Blagojevich was the sixteenth governor in the United States and the first Illinois governor to have been impeached. Seven of the fifteen impeached governors were removed from office.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/01/09/ST2009010903793.html|title=Blagojevich Answers Impeachment Vote|access-date=January 13, 2009|date=January 10, 2009|newspaper=The Washington Post|author1=Lydersen, Kari|author2=Peter Slevin|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107075624/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2009/01/09/ST2009010903793.html|url-status=live}}

The article of impeachment alleged a pattern of conduct constituting abuse of power, including the events described in the criminal complaint and several instances of ignoring Illinois law in his use of executive power.{{cite web|url=http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/96/HR/PDF/09600HR0005.pdf|title=Article of Impeachment (H.Res. 6)|date=January 14, 2009|access-date=January 17, 2009|archive-date=February 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205005353/http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/96/HR/PDF/09600HR0005.pdf|url-status=live}} In particular, it accused Blagojevich of engaging in a conduct constituting a pattern of abuse of power. Among the misdeeds were the following:

• Plotting to "obtain a personal benefit in exchange for his appointment to fill the [President-elect Barack Obama's] vacant seat in the United States Senate";
• Plotting to extort the Tribune Company by withholding state funds unless it fired certain members of the editorial board who had been critical of the governor;
• Plotting to obtain a campaign contribution in exchange for signing a bill to divert casino gambling revenues to the horse racing industry.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/28582066|title=A guide to the Blagojevich impeachment: It's a two-step process, with governor's own political adversaries as jurors|author=Tom Curry|date=January 9, 2009|publisher=NBC News|access-date=April 16, 2020|archive-date=June 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180618083002/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/28582066/|url-status=dead}}

On January 14, the new session of the Illinois House of Representatives convened and voted to affirm the impeachment vote of the prior session with only Blagojevich's sister-in-law Deborah Mell dissenting.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28653514|title=Ill. Senate take steps toward governor's trial: Same senators to handle Blagojevich's impeachment starting January 26|access-date=January 16, 2009|date=January 14, 2009|work=NBC News|archive-date=January 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160126113740/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/28653514/|url-status=live}}[http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/96/house/09600HR0005_01142009_003000.pdf Vote on House Resolution 5] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020022209/http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/votehistory/96/house/09600HR0005_01142009_003000.pdf |date=October 20, 2012 }} to reaffirm impeachment of Gov. Blagojevich

The impeachment trial in the Illinois State Senate began on January 26, 2009.{{cite news|url=http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12941102|title=The Rod Blagojevich saga: The second act|access-date=January 16, 2008|date=January 15, 2009|newspaper=The Economist|archive-date=January 17, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090117013618/http://www.economist.com/world/unitedstates/displaystory.cfm?story_id=12941102|url-status=live}} Blagojevich boycotted attending his own hearings, referring to them as a kangaroo court.{{cite news|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/01/the-blagojevich.html|title=Blagojevich, boycotting his own impeachment trial, compares self to Gandhi|access-date=January 26, 2009|date=January 26, 2009|work=Los Angeles Times|author=Neuman, Johanna|archive-date=February 1, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090201171316/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/01/the-blagojevich.html|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/blagojevich-calls-illinois-state-senate-impeachment-trial-a-kangaroo-court/|title=Blagojevich Calls Illinois State Senate Impeachment Trial a 'Kangaroo Court': Gov. Rod Blagojevich declared his innocence Monday, calling the Illinois State Senate impeachment proceedings a "kangaroo court".|access-date=January 26, 2009|date=January 26, 2009|publisher=FoxNews.com|archive-date=January 29, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090129111629/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/26/blagojevich-calls-illinois-state-senate-impeachment-trial-kangaroo-court/|url-status=live}} Neither the governor nor his lawyer was present in Springfield, Illinois on the first day of the trial. Blagojevich spent the day in New York City making media appearances on a myriad of shows including Good Morning America and The View.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/us/politics/27illinois.html?hp|title=As Trial Starts, Blagojevich Mounts Defense on TV|access-date=January 27, 2009|date=January 26, 2009|work=The New York Times|author=Davey, Monica|archive-date=January 19, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120119222130/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/27/us/politics/27illinois.html?hp|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-01-25-governor_N.htm|title=Governor defends himself on TV|access-date=January 27, 2009|date=January 26, 2009|work=USA Today|author=Keen, Judy|archive-date=February 5, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090205170646/http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-01-25-governor_N.htm|url-status=live}} In his absence, a "not guilty" plea was automatically entered on his behalf.Davey, Monica. [https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/us/politics/28illinois.html?hp "Lawmakers Hear Blagojevich Tapes".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412131326/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/us/politics/28illinois.html?hp |date=April 12, 2016 }} The New York Times, January 27, 2009. Retrieved on January 27, 2009. On the same day, in a cable television news interview with Geraldo Rivera, Blagojevich derided the whole process. Lead attorney Ed Genson announced that he was withdrawing from representing Blagojevich, saying "I never require a client to do what I say, but I do require them to at least listen."{{cite news|url=http://www.wbbm780.com/Genson-To-Resign-From-Criminal-Case/3716358|title=Genson To Resign From Criminal Case|publisher=WBBM-AM|date=January 23, 2009|access-date=January 28, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090126181525/http://www.wbbm780.com/Genson-To-Resign-From-Criminal-Case/3716358|archive-date=January 26, 2009|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Blagojevich was in New York again the next day continuing an apparent attempt to upstage the hearings with eleven media appointments at places such as The Early Show, and the Associated Press.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/01/28/news/news-us-blagojevich.html|title=Blagojevich Asks to Argue Before Impeachment Trial|access-date=January 29, 2009|date=January 28, 2008|agency=Reuters Ltd|work=The New York Times|author=Stern, Andrew}}{{Dead link|date=November 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/us/politics/28illinois.html|title=Blagojevich Speaks at Impeachment Trial, in Wiretaps Only|access-date=January 29, 2009|date=January 27, 2009|work=The New York Times|author=Davey, Monica|archive-date=February 8, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150208131113/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/28/us/politics/28illinois.html|url-status=live}} Blagojevich insisted that unlike Richard Nixon who did not want his tapes heard during Watergate, he wanted his tapes heard in order to reveal the whole truth, which he felt would vindicate him.

On January 27, Federal prosecutors played four recordings from among the thousands of intercepted calls from Blagojevich's home and campaign offices. Although lawmakers trying to build an impeachment case wanted to hear more, the prosecutors feared further collaboration could jeopardize the criminal case against the governor. The recordings played at the impeachment trial were taped in November and December and revealed efforts by Blagojevich to collect money from a horse track owner in exchange for signing legislation benefiting the racing industry, prosecutors said. State Senator Dan Cronin said hearing the recordings "hits me right here in the stomach. It sort of reminds me of some Hollywood movie or a couple of thugs in a car driving around." Daniel Cain, an FBI agent who investigated Blagojevich for years, also testified on January 27 and answered questions that did not extend to information not presented in the affidavit.

On January 28, Blagojevich requested the opportunity to deliver his own closing arguments, although he would not testify or submit himself to cross-examination. The Senate allowed Blagojevich to file an appearance late, enabling him to make a 90-minute closing argument.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/01/28/us/AP-Illinois-Governor-Impeachment.html|title=Ill. Governor Wants to Speak at Impeachment Trial|access-date=January 29, 2009|date=January 29, 2009|agency=Associated Press|work=The New York Times|author1=Bellandi, Deanna |author2=Andrea Zelinski |name-list-style=amp }}

The following day, January 29, the prosecution delivered a 40-minute closing argument. Blagojevich then delivered his 47-minute closing arguments in defense. Among Blagojevich's statement were continuing reminders that he believed the process to be tainted because it did not allow him to call witnesses or challenge the evidence (although, as the Chicago Tribune reported two days earlier, the process did in fact allow the governor to call witnesses and challenge the evidence, but Blagojevich had done neither by the deadline).{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-factcheck-blagoje,0,7497735.story|title=FACT CHECK: Rules in Blagojevich impeachment trial|access-date=January 27, 2009|date=January 27, 2009|agency=Associated Press|work=the Chicago Tribune|author=Bellandi, Deanna}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} The prosecution then made a 12-minute rebuttal.{{cite news|url=http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/01/blagojevich-to-give-impeachment-speech-in-a-few-hours.html|title=Senate deliberates Blagojevich's political fate|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=January 29, 2009|access-date=January 29, 2009|archive-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209043738/http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/01/blagojevich-to-give-impeachment-speech-in-a-few-hours.html|url-status=live}} Blagojevich did not remain in the Statehouse for the prosecution's rebuttal speech or the vote on his impeachment. After giving his closing statement, Blagojevich immediately left Springfield to return to his Chicago home aboard an official state aircraft. Had Blagojevich remained in Springfield for his impeachment, he would have been immediately ineligible to be transported on state aircraft as he would no longer be governor—he would have been stranded in Springfield, responsible for his own transportation home.{{cite news|url=http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/01/blagojevich-to-give-impeachment-speech-in-a-few-hours.html|title=Senate removes Blagojevich from office|access-date=June 29, 2011|date=January 29, 2009|work=Chicago Tribune|archive-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209043738/http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2009/01/blagojevich-to-give-impeachment-speech-in-a-few-hours.html|url-status=live}}

After a recess, the Senate debated the vote on the article of impeachment. Under the Illinois Constitution, a two-thirds majority, or 40 votes out of 59, was required to convict him on the article of impeachment.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/28582066|title=A guide to the Blagojevich impeachment: It's a two-step process, with governor's own political adversaries as jurors|access-date=January 13, 2009|date=January 9, 2009|publisher=NBC News|author=Curry, Tom|archive-date=January 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115092414/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/28582066/|url-status=dead}} After several hours of deliberations, Rod Blagojevich was convicted and removed from office by a unanimous vote of 59–0. State Senator Mike Frerichs then moved that Blagojevich be banned from ever holding office in Illinois again. This motion carried, also by a unanimous vote of 59–0.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ga4r6Ic7fPOykfh6cdeLeKYKO6vwD9613EVG0|title=Ill. senate votes 59–0 to remove Gov. Blagojevich|last=Wills|first=Christopher|date=January 29, 2009|agency=Associated Press|access-date=January 29, 2009|archive-date=February 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090204190315/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ga4r6Ic7fPOykfh6cdeLeKYKO6vwD9613EVG0|url-status=dead}}[http://www.ilga.gov/senate/ImpeachVotes.asp Senate Impeachment Tribunal Roll Calls] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527231534/http://www.ilga.gov/senate/ImpeachVotes.asp |date=May 27, 2010 }}, including Roll Call 7 to remove Gov. Blagojevich Shortly after the vote, the lieutenant governor, Pat Quinn was sworn in as the new governor.{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-blagojevich-impeachment-removal,0,5791846.story?page=1 |title=Impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been removed from office |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |date=January 29, 2009 |first1=Ray |last1=Long |first2=Rick |last2=Pearson |access-date=April 16, 2020 |archive-date=January 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140113224447/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-blagojevich-impeachment-removal,0,5791846.story?page=1 |url-status=live }} Although Blagojevich is disqualified from running for any Government of Illinois office, he is eligible to run for federal office such as his old congressional seat.{{cite web |url=https://www.npr.org/2011/06/09/137085248/blagojevich-retrial-nears-conclusion |title=Blagojevich Retrial Nears Conclusion |access-date=June 28, 2011 |date=June 9, 2011 |publisher=National Public Radio |author1=Pearson, Rick |author2=Conan, Neal |name-list-style=amp |author2-link=Neal Conan |archive-date=June 27, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110627021052/http://www.npr.org/2011/06/09/137085248/blagojevich-retrial-nears-conclusion |url-status=live }}

{{multiple image

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| footer = (left to right) US Representatives Jesse Jackson, Jr., Luis Gutierrez and Jan Schakowsky, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth were considered as replacement candidates to fill the vacancy in the Senate.

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During the federal investigation leading up to the arrest, the Federal Bureau of Investigation used wire taps at both the Governor's campaign offices and his home phone.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1865260,00.html|title=Scandal Plagued Illinois Gov Out on Bond|access-date=December 11, 2008|date=December 9, 2008|magazine=Time|author=Robinson, Mike|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430173153/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1865260,00.html|archive-date=April 30, 2009|url-status=dead}}

Rather than identifying subject individuals by name, the FBI affidavit used aliases to refer to people not necessarily accused of any crimes including the six people Blagojevich was considering appointing to the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama.{{cite web |title=United States of America v. Rod R. Blagojevich and John Harris |work=United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division |date=December 7, 2008 |url=http://a.abcnews.go.com/images/Blotter/Blagojevich_Affidavit.pdf |access-date=December 10, 2008 |archive-date=December 4, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204154614/http://a.abcnews.go.com/images/Blotter/Blagojevich_Affidavit.pdf |url-status=live }}{{cite news|title=Obama Calls on Blagojevich To Resign as Jesse Jackson Jr. Prepares to Talk to Feds |first=Jonathan |last=Allen |work=CQ Politics |date=December 10, 2008 |url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002995755 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214153146/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?docID=news-000002995755 |archive-date=December 14, 2008 }}

The affidavit said that a representative of Senate Candidate 5 had proposed having the candidate raise up to $1 million for Blagojevich's campaign in exchange for being appointed to the Senate.{{cite news|title=Sources Say Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Is Senate Candidate No. 5|work=ABC News|date=December 10, 2008|first=Brian|last=Ross|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/ConductUnbecoming/story?id=6431739&page=1|access-date=April 16, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703012006/https://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/ConductUnbecoming/story?id=6431739&page=1|url-status=live}}

ABC News reported that federal law enforcement officials identified Jesse Jackson, Jr. as Senate Candidate 5. Jackson, who was asked for an interview by federal agents, denied that anyone on his behalf had offered anything for the Senate seat. Jackson claimed not to be a target of an investigation, but admitted to being questioned.{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1323698,jesse-jackson-jr-blagojevich-rod-arrest-121008.stng|title=Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is 'Senate Candidate 5' in Blagojevich criminal complaint|access-date=December 10, 2008|date=December 10, 2008|work=Chicago Sun-Times|author=Fusco, Chris, Tim Novak and Natasha Korecki|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220183347/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1323698,jesse-jackson-jr-blagojevich-rod-arrest-121008.stng|archive-date=February 20, 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1208/Jackson_Ive_done_nothing_wrong.html|title=Jackson: "I've done nothing wrong"|access-date=December 10, 2008|date=December 10, 2008|publisher=Politico|archive-date=December 11, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211220310/http://www.politico.com/blogs/thecrypt/1208/Jackson_Ive_done_nothing_wrong.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/jacksons_lawyer_i_assume_hes_c.php|title=Jackson's Lawyer: I "Assume" He's Candidate 5|access-date=December 10, 2008|date=December 10, 2008|publisher=TPM Media LLC|work=TPM Muckraker|author=Roth, Zachary|archive-date=December 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215075902/http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/12/jacksons_lawyer_i_assume_hes_c.php|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2008/12/10/us/AP-Illinois-Governor-Jackson.html |title=Attorney: US Rep. Jesse Jackson Is 'Candidate 5' |access-date=December 10, 2008|date=December 10, 2008 |work=The New York Times }} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=1&docID=news-000002995817|title=CQ Transcript: Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Holds Press Conference on Blagojevich Affair|access-date=December 10, 2008|date=December 10, 2008|publisher=Congressional Quarterly|work=CQPolitics|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215055648/http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=1&docID=news-000002995817|archive-date=December 15, 2008}} Also WLS-TV reported December 15 that Jackson notified investigators that Blagojevich refused to appoint Jackson's wife, Sandi, as state lottery director because Jackson refused to donate $25,000 to the governor's campaign fund.

The affidavit says that Blagojevich knew "that the President-elect want[ed] Senate Candidate 1 for the Senate seat", but Blagojevich was upset that "they're not willing to give me anything except appreciation, so fuck them".{{cite news |title=Obama Tries to Stay Above the Hometown Fray |last=Shear |first=Michael D.; Cillizza, Chris |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=December 10, 2008 |page=A07 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/10/AR2008121001472.html?hpid=topnews |access-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211104258/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/10/AR2008121001472.html?hpid=topnews |url-status=live }} The Washington Post identified Senate Candidate 1 as Valerie Jarrett.

Other prospects for the Senate seat, including Rep. Danny Davis and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan, said that they had not been contacted by federal authorities. Madigan confirmed that she is Senate Candidate 2 in the indictment. An anonymous source described Louanner Peters as being Senate Candidate 4.{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j-CKHJCHa23Nx7aUCc8v-396YEcAD950QON00|title=Ill. contenders for Senate seat walking fine line|access-date=December 13, 2008|date=December 11, 2008|agency=Associated Press|author=Webber, Tammy|archive-date=December 15, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081215054326/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5j-CKHJCHa23Nx7aUCc8v-396YEcAD950QON00|url-status=dead}}

On December 10, 2008, Illinois Deputy Governor Bob Greenlee resigned, with his lawyer saying the reason for the resignation should be obvious.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-blagojevich-green,0,860226.story|title=Deputy governor resigns after being tied to probe|access-date=December 13, 2008|date=December 10, 2008|agency=Associated Press|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Goldman, Adam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081214042002/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-blagojevich-green,0,860226.story|archive-date=December 14, 2008|url-status=dead}} Reportedly, Greenlee was the colleague who advised Blagojevich to pursue the cabinet position of Secretary of Energy because it was the one that "makes the most money". Deputy Governor A is also named as the person who supposedly attempted to coerce the Chicago Tribune on Blagojevich's behalf.{{cite news|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/10/bob-greenlee-top-blagojev_n_149988.html|title=Bob Greenlee, Blagojevich's Deputy Governor, Resigns|access-date=December 12, 2008|date=December 11, 2008|publisher=HuffingtonPost.com, Inc|work=The Huffington Post|author=Goldman, Adam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090603204533/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/10/bob-greenlee-top-blagojev_n_149988.html|archive-date=June 3, 2009|url-status=dead}} Schakowsky, Luis Gutierrez, Jones, and Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth (who would later be elected to the seat in 2016) were also reportedly under consideration.

The 76-page FBI affidavit included extensive detail of various acts by the governor including a November 10 call between Blagojevich, Harris, his wife, and a group of advisers in which Harris had formulated an agreement with the Service Employees International Union. Harris proposed that Blagojevich would appoint a new senator who would be helpful to the president in exchange for a job as head of the union-formed group Change to Win. The union would receive an unspecified favor from Obama later under the plan.

On April 2, 2009, a federal grand jury issued a 19 count indictment; 16 of which named Rod Blagojevich, including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion, conspiracy, attempted extortion, and making false statements to federal agents.{{cite web|url=http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2009/pr0402_01a.pdf|title=United States v. Rod Blagojevich, et al, Superseding Indictment|publisher=U.S. Attorney, Northern District of Illinois|date=April 2, 2009|access-date=April 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601061015/http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2009/pr0402_01a.pdf|archive-date=June 1, 2009|url-status=dead}} Prosecutors amended the indictment on February 4, 2010, in anticipation of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the so-called "Honest Services" law.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2010-02-05-1002041103-story.html|title=Blaojevich case tweaked|access-date=August 28, 2022|date=February 5, 2010|work=Chicago Tribune|first=Jeff|last=Coen|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829030640/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2010-02-05-1002041103-story.html}}United States of America v. Rod Blagojevich, Alonzo Monk, John Harris and Robert Blagojevich

Four of his closest advisors were also indicted on various crimes:

• Robert Blagojevich, the ex-governor's brother (All charges against Robert Blagojevich were subsequently dropped in August 2010 following his brother's mistrial on 23 of 24 counts{{cite magazine|last=Reiss|first=Dawn|title=Prosecutors Let One Blagojevich Off the Hook|url=http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2013986,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830155450/http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2013986,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 30, 2010|magazine=Time|access-date=May 21, 2011|date=August 27, 2010}}) was outraged how he was treated by the Federal authorities and used as a pawn against his brother.{{cite web|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/04/01/robert-blagojevich-rod-maybe-should-have-listened-to-his-lawyers-more/|title=Blames Feds for very stressful ordeal'|date=April 2015|access-date=November 7, 2018|archive-date=November 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107104157/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2015/04/01/robert-blagojevich-rod-maybe-should-have-listened-to-his-lawyers-more/|url-status=live}} He later wrote a book about his experience that was published in 2015.{{cite web|url=https://www.niupress.niu.edu/niupress/Scripts/Book/bookResults.asp?ID=724|title=Fundraiser A My Fight for Freedom and Justice|access-date=November 7, 2018|archive-date=November 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107104729/https://www.niupress.niu.edu/niupress/Scripts/Book/bookResults.asp?ID=724|url-status=live}}
• John Harris, former chief of staff
• Alonzo Monk, another former chief of staff, who pleaded guilty, testified against the Governor, and received two years in prison{{cite news | url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-lon-monk-rod-blagojevich-sentencing-illinois-corruption,0,7482448.story | work=Chicago Tribune | first=Annie | last=Sweeney | title=Ex-Blagojevich aide gets 2 years on corruption charges | access-date=April 16, 2020 | archive-date=April 8, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408123859/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/chi-lon-monk-rod-blagojevich-sentencing-illinois-corruption,0,7482448.story | url-status=live }}
• Christopher G. Kelly, a Springfield businessman (Kelly died on September 12, 2009, after having pleaded guilty, three days before he was to begin his prison sentence.{{cite web|url=http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Christopher.Kelly.Blago.2.1180125.html |title=Christopher Kelly. Key Adviser to Robert Blagojevich, Passes Away |access-date=September 13, 2009 |date=September 13, 2009 |work=Chicago Tribune |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917015456/http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Christopher.Kelly.Blago.2.1180125.html |archive-date=September 17, 2009 }})

If convicted, the former governor faced up to 20 years in prison on the most serious counts.{{cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/02/illinois.blagojevich/index.html|title=Blagojevich indicted on 16 federal felony charges|publisher=cnn.com|date=April 2, 2009|access-date=April 3, 2009|archive-date=April 3, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090403192840/http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/04/02/illinois.blagojevich/index.html|url-status=live}} On July 27, 2010, the final arguments concluded,{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/us/28blago.html|title=From Blagojevich Lawyer, Final Argument With Drama|access-date=August 12, 2010|date=July 28, 2010|page=A14|work=The New York Times|author=Davey, Monica|archive-date=May 1, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150501212531/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/28/us/28blago.html|url-status=live}} and the jury began its deliberations.

On Wednesday, August 11, 2010, after eleven days of deliberations (during the course of which they sent Judge James Zagel two notes requesting guidance and instructions), the jury sent the judge a third, rather vague, note (which Rod Blagojevich was summoned to court to hear). The note appeared to state that the jurors may be deadlocked (raising the possibility of a hung jury) on at least some, if not all, the counts.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-11/blagojevich-jurors-ask-trial-judge-for-guidance-if-they-become-deadlocked.html|title=Ex-Illinois Governor Blagojevich Trial Jurors Asks for Help|access-date=August 12, 2010|date=August 11, 2010|publisher=Bloomberg|author1=Harris, Andrew M.|author2=Elizabeth Campbell|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=August 15, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815221236/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-11/blagojevich-jurors-ask-trial-judge-for-guidance-if-they-become-deadlocked.html|url-status=live}}

Judge Zagel advised the jurors that they could find the former governor guilty on some (perhaps lesser) charges while finding him not guilty of others. The judge scheduled a hearing so that he, the defendants and their defense team, and prosecutors could receive further clarification on the matter. He also forbade both sides from discussing the matter further until it had been clarified and resolved.{{cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/08/13/blagojevich-jury-split-turns-to-judge/|title=Blagojevich jury split, turns to judge: Jurors' note asks, 'What is the next logical step?' — but judge and lawyers are left puzzled over extent of deadlock|access-date=June 29, 2011|date=August 13, 2010|work=Chicago Tribune|author=Coen, Jeff, Bob Secter and Stacy St. Clair|archive-date=January 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120131130206/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-08-13/news/ct-met-blagojevich-trial-0812-20100811_1_jury-deliberations-zagel-jurors-note|url-status=live}}

The ex-governor and his family learned of the indictment while they were vacationing in Florida, near Disney World.{{cite news|url=http://www.wesh.com/video/19081096/index.html|title=Exclusive Video: Blagojevich At Disney World|publisher=WESH|date=April 2, 2009|access-date=April 5, 2009|archive-date=April 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090407040850/http://www.wesh.com/video/19081096/index.html|url-status=live}} Through his publicist, the ex-governor stated, "I'm saddened and hurt, but I am not surprised by the indictment. I am innocent. I now will fight in the courts to clear my name."

Blagojevich's successor, Gov. Pat Quinn responded, "The events of Dec 9 and the events of today underline for the people of Illinois that there is a serious crisis of integrity in our government, and I think it's very, very important that we the people confront this crisis, enact the reforms that will solve the problems and make sure they never happen again."{{cite news|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1509662,CST-NWS-breact03web.article |title=Illinois politicians react to Blagojevich indictment |newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times |date=April 3, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090406074845/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/blagojevich/1509662,CST-NWS-breact03web.article |archive-date=April 6, 2009 }}

A Reform Commission headed by Patrick M. Collins drew up a 95-page list of recommendations for political reform in Illinois. In an emotional news conference, Collins criticized an Illinois legislative panel for its opposition to the recommendations.Belleville News Democrat, May 23, 2009 Proposed changes included campaign contribution limits and term limits for state legislative leaders. However House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate president John Cullerton had not supported the reform Commission's proposals.Bloomberg.com, May 22, 2009

On August 17, 2010, Blagojevich was convicted of one count of lying to federal agents but a mistrial was declared on the other 23 charges due to hung jury. Prosecutors pledged to retry the case as soon as possible.{{cite news|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38742223|title=Blagojevich guilty on one count; mistrial on 23 others|publisher=NBC News|agency=Associated Press|date=August 17, 2010|access-date=April 16, 2020|archive-date=August 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220829023718/https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38742223|url-status=live}} The four charges against Robert Blagojevich were dismissed.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2010/08/17/us/politics/politics-us-usa-crime-blagojevich.html|title=Blagojevich Guilty on One Count, Faces Retrial|access-date=August 18, 2010|date=August 17, 2010|work=The New York Times}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}} Prosecutors had offered to retry Robert Blagojevich separately. However, he refused and the charges were dropped the very next day.{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2010-08-26-ct-met-robert-blagojevich-20100826-story.html|title=Charges against Robert Blagojevich are dropped|website=Chicago Tribune|date=August 26, 2010 |access-date=November 7, 2018|archive-date=November 7, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107104444/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2010-08-26-ct-met-robert-blagojevich-20100826-story.html|url-status=live}} The retrial was set to begin April 20, 2011. On June 27 after ten days of deliberation, the jury found Blagojevich guilty of 11 counts related to the senate seat and 6 counts related to fundraising extortion of a hospital executive. He was found not guilty of bribery related to a fundraising shakedown of a road-building executive. The jury deadlocked on one count related to another road builder related to a 2006 fundraising pay-to-play involving then-U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel, eventual Chicago Mayor. Unlike the first trial, Blagojevich took the stand in his own defense. Also, for the second trial, the government dropped all racketeering charges and charges against his brother.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304447804576411762209533524|title=Blagojevich Convicted on Corruption Charges|access-date=June 28, 2011|date=June 27, 2011|work=The Wall Street Journal|author1=Belkin, Douglas|author2=Stephanie Banchero|name-list-style=amp|archive-date=December 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224080432/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304447804576411762209533524|url-status=live}} The verdict followed the conviction of his gubernatorial predecessor five years earlier.

On December 7, 2011, Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison.{{cite web |url=https://news.yahoo.com/blagojevich-gets-14-years-prison-corruption-183334615.html |title=Blagojevich gets 14 years in prison for corruption |access-date=December 23, 2020 |date=December 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210035603/https://news.yahoo.com/blagojevich-gets-14-years-prison-corruption-183334615.html |archive-date=December 10, 2011 |url-status=unfit}} He was also given two other concurrent sentences in addition to the 168-month sentence. Federal prison does not use parole; he must serve at least 85% of the 168-month sentence before becoming eligible to be given supervised release.{{cite web|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/blagojevich-gets-14-years-in-prison-2011-12-07|title=Blagojevich gets 14 years in prison|access-date=December 19, 2011|date=December 7, 2011|publisher=Marketwatch, Inc.|last1=Spain|first1=William|archive-date=December 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208235520/http://www.marketwatch.com/story/blagojevich-gets-14-years-in-prison-2011-12-07|url-status=live}} On March 15, 2012, Blagojevich reported to Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood in Colorado to begin serving his sentence. The Federal Bureau of Prisons previously listed Blagojevich's expected release date from prison as May 23, 2024, before his sentence was later commuted.{{cite web |url=http://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ |title=Find an inmate. |date=March 18, 2015 |access-date=March 18, 2015 |archive-date=May 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531184722/https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/ |url-status=live }}

On July 21, 2015, the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit overturned four of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's 18 convictions, stating that proposals to exchange promises for appointments "is a common exercise in logrolling".{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/appeals-court-overturns-part-of-rod-blagojevichs-corruption-convictions-120421|title=Appeals court overturns some of Blagojevich's corruption convictions|access-date=August 9, 2016|date=July 21, 2015|publisher=Politico|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817021055/http://www.politico.com/story/2015/07/appeals-court-overturns-part-of-rod-blagojevichs-corruption-convictions-120421|url-status=live}} The Supreme Court of the United States announced on March 28, 2016, that they had deferred the option to hear the appeal, which instead went to the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.{{cite web|url=http://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2016/03/rod-blagojevich-no-supreme-court-appeal-221286|title=Supreme Court won't hear Blagojevich appeal|access-date=August 9, 2016|date=March 28, 2016|publisher=Politico|archive-date=August 17, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160817012050/http://www.politico.com/blogs/under-the-radar/2016/03/rod-blagojevich-no-supreme-court-appeal-221286|url-status=live}}

On August 9, 2016, U.S. District Judge James Zagel ruled that despite the four dropped charges, reports of good behavior, and pleas for leniency, Blagojevich's 14-year sentence would stand.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2016-08-09/the-latest-blagojevichs-wife-daughters-arrive-at-hearing|title=Patti Blagojevich calls ruling 'unusually cruel'|access-date=August 9, 2016|date=August 9, 2016|magazine=U.S. News & World Report|archive-date=August 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810153353/http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2016-08-09/the-latest-blagojevichs-wife-daughters-arrive-at-hearing|url-status=live}} In making his decision, Zagel noted that "these are serious crimes that had an impact on the people of Illinois." and it is "an unfortunate reality" that Blagojevich's family members are made to suffer consequences. Patti Blagojevich commented on the sentence, calling it "unusually cruel and heartless and unfair".

File:President Trump Delivers Remarks Upon Departure 2 18 2020.webm speaks about commuting Blagojevich on February 18, 2020. Video from the White House.]]

On February 18, 2020, President Donald Trump commuted Rod Blagojevich's prison sentence. Blagojevich was released from prison that day, having served about eight years of his 14-year sentence.[https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-to-commute-sentence-of-ex-gov-blagojevich-pardon-kerik Trump commutes sentence of ex-Gov. Blagojevich, pardons Kerik] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218191912/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-to-commute-sentence-of-ex-gov-blagojevich-pardon-kerik |date=February 18, 2020 }} Fox News, 18 Feb 2020{{cite news |first1=Michael D. |last1=Shear |first2=Maggie |last2=Haberman |author2-link=Maggie Haberman |date=February 28, 2020 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/18/us/politics/trump-pardon-blagojevich-debartolo.html |title=Trump Grants Clemency to Blagojevich, Milken and Kerik |work=New York Times |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218184524/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/18/us/politics/trump-pardon-blagojevich-debartolo.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first1=Jason |last1=Meisner |first2=Rick |last2=Pearson |first3=Erin |last3=Hooley |date=February 18, 2020 |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-illinois-governor-rod-blagojevich-trump-commute-20200218-ktpeijxjmjavzldz43k4pbnp4q-story.html |title='I Can't Wait to Get Home': Rod Blagojevich Released from Prison After Trump Commutes Ex-Illinois Governor's 14-Year Sentence |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=February 19, 2020 |archive-date=February 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218185133/https://www.chicagotribune.com/politics/ct-illinois-governor-rod-blagojevich-trump-commute-20200218-ktpeijxjmjavzldz43k4pbnp4q-story.html |url-status=live }}

On February 10, 2025, President Donald Trump pardoned Blagojevich. This means he is no longer considered to be guilty.{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Zeke |last2=Price |first2=Michelle |date=2025-02-10 |title=Trump Pardons Rod Blagojevich |url=https://www.huffpost.com/entry/rod-blagojevich-pardon-trump_n_67aa8b24e4b038077c883139 |access-date=2025-02-11 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}

{{Reflist|30em}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100924225534/http://chicago.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel08/dec09_08.htm Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff John Harris Arrested on Federal Corruption Charges] Department of Justice, December 9, 2008, press release
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090731193705/http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/pr/chicago/2008/pr1209_01a.pdf Criminal Complaint in U.S. v. Rod Blagojevich and John Harris], December 9, 2008, copy of 76-page complaint ([http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2008/12/us-v-blagojevich-harris-the-criminal-complaint.html text version])
• [http://www.ilga.gov/house/committees/reports.asp?CommitteeID=758&GA=95 Documents of the Illinois General Assembly Investigative Committee]
• Sweet, Lynn [https://web.archive.org/web/20081217140535/http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/2008/12/illinois_house_speaker_mike_ma.html Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, Majority leader Barbara Flynn Currie on Blagojevich impeachment. Transcript] Chicago Sun-Times, December 16, 2008
• [https://www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2009-01/44419149.pdf State of Illinois 95th General Assembly House of Representatives Special Investigative Committee] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101022093316/http://www.chicagotribune.com/media/acrobat/2009-01/44419149.pdf |date=October 22, 2010 }} proposed report recommending impeachment
• [https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/chi-rodblagojevich-storygallery,0,6150647.storygallery Complete Blagojevich Coverage] Chicago Tribune, ongoing coverage
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100608085310/http://blogs.wttw.com/moreonthestory/category/blagojevich-blog/ The Blagojevich Blog] Chicago Tonight at WTTW (PBS), ongoing coverage
• [http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/01/09/burrisillsctopin.pdf Turner.com], Illinois Supreme Court Ruling on Burris v. White
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20090917015456/http://cbs2chicago.com/local/Christopher.Kelly.Blago.2.1180125.html CBS2Chicago.com], death of Christopher Kelly, key adviser to Blogojevich

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