Blagojevich impeached

Illinois House of Representatives voted by a trifling 114-1 margin to impeach tainted Governor of Illinois Rod Blagovich. Blago was out jogging as the votes were counted, no doubt trying to appear nonchalant.

His crime, of course being trying to “sell” Barack Obama’s newly vacant Senate seat. The impeachment (like a criminal indictment for politicians) could lead to his removal from office if found guilty at a Senate trial. Any guilty verdict will need at least two thirds of the senators – 39 of the 59 in the Illinois House.

The impeachment itself charges Blago with “abuse of power” in trying to gain “personal benefit” from the sale of Obama’s seat. If he’s found guilty he could face charges in a federal court.