Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Guy Buys $123 Safe on eBay, Finds $26,000 Inside Seller tries to get half the cash back, fails »

Ill. House Votes to Impeach Blago

114-1 vote marks first for state

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 9, 2009 10:57 AM CST

(Newser) – The Illinois House wasted little time today in voting to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich, with just one representative in the 115-member chamber voting against the measure. It’s the first time in Illinois history the governor has been impeached. A Blagojevich spokesman says the governor won’t resign, which means he faces a trial in the Senate next week, the Chicago Tribune reports.

The morning’s debate left little doubt which way the vote would go. One longtime opponent called the vote his proudest moment, saying, “The plague that has been brought upon our state by Rod Blagojevich will be lifted.” Even the House Republican leader, once a friend of Blagojevich, likened his actions to a home break-in. “You ought to be angry,” he told the House. “You ought to be disgusted.”

Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) votes to recommend the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich during an Illinois House Impeachment Committee hearing yesterday in Springfield.
Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) votes to recommend the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich during an Illinois House Impeachment Committee hearing yesterday in Springfield.   (AP Photo)
Rep. Roger L. Eddy, right, votes to recommend the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to the House during an Illinois House Impeachment Committee hearing yesterday in Springfield.
Rep. Roger L. Eddy, right, votes to recommend the impeachment of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to the House during an Illinois House Impeachment Committee hearing yesterday in Springfield.   (AP Photo)
In this Dec. 30, 2008, photo, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks to the media.
In this Dec. 30, 2008, photo, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks to the media.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Outgoing Chicago Dem Is Lone Nay in Blago Vote

Ill. House Panel: Impeach Blago

Ill. Puts Blago Impeachment on Fast Track

Ill. Court Nixes Motion to Declare Blagojevich Unfit

Ill. House Speaker Launches Blago Impeachment


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne