The Illinois House has voted unanimously to begin efforts to impeach Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich, one week after he was arrested on corruption charges. Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell off the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan: “During these six days, President-elect Obama and all of the Democratic statewide officials have called for the Governor to resign his office. During these six days, Governor Blagojevich has declined the opportunity to voluntarily leave the office of governor, and therefore today I am announcing the appointment of a select committee on an inquiry concerning the possible impeachment of Governor Blagojevich.”

On Monday, President-elect Obama said a review by his own lawyer shows he had no direct contact with Blagojevich about the appointment of a Senate replacement.

President-elect Barack Obama: “There was nothing that my office did that was in any way inappropriate or related to the charges that had been brought. Now, beyond that, as we said in the statement today, we are prepared to release the findings of the review that had been done, which are thorough and comprehensive. The US attorney’s office asked us to hold off releasing those for a week. So I would ask for your patience, because I do not want to interfere with an ongoing investigation.”