Sit Tight: Blago Isn't Going Anywhere Yet

Dismissing calls for resignation, guv says it's 'business as usual'
By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 11, 2008 1:32 AM CST
Sit Tight: Blago Isn't Going Anywhere Yet
Harry Reid, the Senate majority leader, and Dick Durbin said that they might refuse to confirm Rod Blagojevich's choice to fill Barack Obama's seat.   (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Rod Blagojevich is innocent—or so says his attorney, as the Illinois governor returned to work for what his office called "business as usual." In the face of unanimous disgust and calls to resign from across the Democratic party, Blagojevich has no plans to step down. According to his lawyer, resigning now would only make him appear guilty; besides, speculates the AP, the cash-strapped Blago probably needs his government salary.

Yesterday two senators, majority leader Harry Reid and Illinois' Dick Durbin, called on Blagojevich to resign and allow his successor to fill Barack Obama's seat. If he refuses, they said, "we would be forced to exercise our constitutional authority" to prevent the governor's choice to be seated. Yesterday also saw the resignation of Bob Greenlee, referred to as "Deputy Governor A" in the indictment; his lawyer said the reason for his leaving office "should be obvious."
(More Rod Blagojevich stories.)

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