Blagojevich not surprised by 114-1 impeachment

Washington, Jan 10: Governor Rod Blagojevich has said that the 114-1 impeachment vote by the Illinois House of Representatives came as no surprise because of his clashes with lawmakers since his re-election in 2006.

Blagojevich was impeached by the Illinois House on a wide array of offenses including criminal corruption and wasting taxpayers' money, FOX News reported.

Accompanied by his supporters, Blagojevich brushed off corruption accusations at a news conference on Friday by parading several Illinois residents onstage and touted his accomplishments as Governor.

"From the very moment of my re-election, I've been engaged in a struggle with the House to get things done for the people," Blagojevich said, citing his efforts to improve health care and cut property taxes.

"The House has stood in the way of letting that happen," he said, contending that his impeachment is related to their ongoing dispute and the failure of lawmakers to help Illinois residents.

"The House has failed to act," he said. "So the House's actions and the cause of the impeachment are because I've done things to fight for families who are with me today."

The 52-year-old Democrat maintained his innocence, saying he's "not guilty of any criminal wrongdoing."

The House impeachment vote on Friday came exactly one month to the day after he was arrested on charges of trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat.

Impeachment required just 60 votes, but Friday's decision was unprecedented in Illinois history, and sets the stage for a Senate trial on whether he should be thrown out of office for corruption and abuse of power.

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn said he'd hoped embattled Governor Rod Blagojevich would resign after the Illinois House's impeachment vote.

ANI