Date:10/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/10/stories/2009011059311600.htm

International

Blagojevich to be impeached

SPRINGFIELD (U.S.): The Illinois House voted overwhelmingly on Friday to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich, an unprecedented action that sets up a State Senate trial on whether he should be thrown out for abuse of power, including allegations that he tried to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat.

Impeachment required just 60 votes. The final result was 114-1.

If convicted in the Senate trial by a two-thirds majority, Mr. Blagojevich would be removed from office.

Legislators accused the Governor of letting down the people of Illinois by letting ego and ambition drive his decisions.

“It’s our duty to clean up the mess…,” said Rep. Jack D. Franks, a Democrat. – AP