Blagojevich will be removed from office by Feb 12: Lt. Governor

Washington, Dec 29 (ANI): Illinois' Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn has predicted that Governor Rod Blagojevich will be impeached and removed from office by February 12, 2009, the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth.

Pat Quinn also told CBS News that the Illinois state government is in turmoil over the scandal and "the people are not getting the government they deserve."

"The 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birth is February 12 of next year, and I don't think Governor Blagojevich will be governor at that time. That bicentennial of Abraham Lincolns' birth is very special to the people of Illinois," he said.

"We believe in government of the people and by the people and for the people; it shall not perish from this earth. That's what Lincoln said at Gettysburg. And I think--those words, I think, ring true today," Quinn told CBS News.

If Quinn's prophecy is correct, he will replace Blagojevich and hold a special election to fill President-elect Obama's senate seat.

"I think that a special election probably can't occur now until June of next year," Quinn said.

"And I do think there should be a temporary appointment to make sure Illinois has two senators at all times. If I am the governor, I would certainly push that kind of a law. nd we'll see what happens. The legislature has to adopt the law and then send it to the governor," he added. (ANI)