(CNN) – President-elect Barack Obama Wednesday joined calls for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign.
"The president-elect agrees with [Illinois] Lt. Governor Quinn and many others that under the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois," Obama spokesman Robert Gibbs said.
On Tuesday Blagojevich was arrested on federal conspiracy charges. Prosecutors alleged in their complaint that Blagojevich pressured candidates to replace Obama in the Senate for campaign contributions and other benefits.
Gibbs said Obama also supported legislation that will be considered by Illinois lawmakers on Monday to authorize a special election to choose his successor.
Obama believes Illinois lawmakers should "put in place a process to select a new senator that will have the trust and confidence of the the people of Illinois," Gibbs said.
From CNN Politics
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Ethelred the unready: If anyone is unpatriotic it is the Liberals in this Country. You Liberals are so ready to disregard this countries constitution that you would probably be the one holding the match. Liberals are the demise of our very society and way of life. I wish every single one of you would move out of this country to your own island. That way you can ruin each other, and then pat each other on the back for doing a good job. You are disgusting, with no morals, no intergrity, no loyalty and no value for human life. (murdering babies= partial birth abortions). Covservatives, independents, replublicans and any other person except if your a Liberal will push back every single time you try to invade,disregard or ignore our constitution for your own gain.
The only known connection between Obama and Blagojevich is through Rezko, and the Rezko issue came to a head before the election. If the McCain people couldn't tie Obama to Rezko's crimes (and you know they tried,) it's not very plausible that amateurs are going to have much luck tying Obama to Blagojevich, is it?
This is what you get when you have ACORN & the voting dead running your elections.
Will this hound Obama? There will ALWAYS be something out there to test Obama. The MEDIA will be leading the charge. The media will make sure Obama's name is mentioned to keep the interest up. CNN, FoxNews and MSNBC are all rating hounds. They are nothing but 24/7 Talk Shows with the news thrown in. State politics are like the Soap Operas, the casts are small, so everyone touches everyone, crooks and the Lawful are thrown together. One thing about a crook, he/she makes sure they interacts with everyone, tainting the innocents just by knowing such. Will this hurt Obama? Not if he has more friends than foes. Right now he has more friends. Over half of America, and the majority of the World call Obama their friend, so he'll do alright. The Media and pundits will work overtime to try and change this.
@ Vanessa – Us Canadians have no interest in housing Obama haters so please, do not feed them the idea of coming up north. The majority of us were praying for Obama to be elected. We're a peaceful nation.
I love how people will only take time to read what they want and make a big scene saying Obama is corrupt. The Gov cursed Obama for not going along with him cause all Obama would give is "appreciation." Also, Fitzgerald said Obama is clear of any wrong doing. Get over it haters...
Obama said himself that he was tough and was a product of Chicago politics, need I say more.
I hate to say this but I can't get the pix out of my mind but I can see John McCain running around like a short kid in school that keep jumping up in the air to see above the other students saying "please tell me Obama is involved, please tell me"......lol....
People and those who are just pathetic by nature. Keep you eyes on the prize and that is not those greedy white guys(not all). They are the ones you have to watch.
Peace Out.
There seems to be some good coming from this scandal. Not a Palin story in sight
Obama probably didn't do anything illegal, but to say he was naive to what happens in Chicago is foolish.
He's a machine politician
Who is this MARC claiming to have voted for Obama. Marc i will rather believe the devil than you. For those of you still involved in smearing Obama, and wishing him bad please keep in touch with your doctor because you will need it after a heart attack when he makes America the 'real dream country' again.
Didn't move to Canada when Bush won,
Don't plan on it now.
Just watching another adminstration self-destruct.
Makes you wonder why major companies want to relocate to Chicago, (Boeing) How much does it cost to due business there?
Clinton should pull out now, stay in the Senate, and wait for these next four years to be over.......
Marc must be the most obvious sock puppet ever.
Vanessa, he is the president elect. Not the president yet. No problem with calling him president once he is sworn in.
Also we do not "Know" that Obama is guilty or innocent of anything yet. Certain some things don't add up...or rather a lot of "mis-speaking" is going on – but that is circumstancial and speculative at this point. They are telling the public everything (probably for good reason). Until severe action and concrete evidence is put out to the public than presumbly he is innocent until proven guilty. However, the presumption of innocence does not make it so.
While I am skeptical based on what has been reported, better to withhold judgement until it all plays out.
I am from Chicago and if you are into the POLITICAL arena there you would know 1 fundamental truth....that Blagojevich and Obama are no friends only cordial in the political sense... they are party affiliates that's it.
"G Rod" does not particularly like Obama. And has been corrupt from day one.... ask his father-in-law who busted his under handed, back door dealings some time ago. Do your research before linking Obama to any Chicago Politics. Some of us lack info intellegence.
"Yes, you need to resign," Obama said, with a wink and a nudge.
Chicago politicians are not known for change... they're known for more of the same... more of the same sleaze, more of the same corruption, more of the same dishonesty and self-serving attitudes.
I just HOPE we get CHANGE in 2010. My finances can't afford anything less.
please, this guy is a disease among human race and there are many others like him, but c'mon, to try to blame Obama for this with absolutely no proof whatsoever is crazy.... to listen to Hannity yesterday, i could almost feel his heartbeat racing at the thought of Obama being caught in this... well, you can always pray and send wishes to santa claus, but this governor, in the tapes, clearly says that he knows Obama will not give him anything but appreciation and he does not say it in the most diplomatic terms!!!!
He should have said it yesterday. Guess Obama wanted to see what the rest of the democratic leaders were saying about the governor before making his decision, so much for his leadership skills.
Hello ALL,
I am from Chicago. I was born and raised here and Chicago has always been corrupt and a place where the Mob feels at home. But, the people of this great state are honest, GOd loving people. It offends me when people say that we are stupid for voting for Blago. When he first ran he was like a bright light. It was a big difference than what we were used to. But over time, stuff comes out. we were fooled by this man and we can't be fooled again. With that said, TO hell with all you darn Rethuglicans who are trying to make Obama look like he was the one on the tapes talking stuff. I know you guys are more racists than the Klan so it doesn't surprise me. I get it that you can't accept the election of a black man to the highest office. Deal with it or be accused of being unpatriotic haters. You all are funny. You just want to find some dirt on Obama don't you? It won't happen. your gonna give yourselves heart attacks trying to "get" Obama. It won't work. He is the President now. You guys and gals a such losers. Hey keep it up. You only look more stupid and angry.
Obama is President♪♫ Obama is President ♫♫
Republicans Lost ♪♫ ...Republicans Lost...♫♫...Ha Ha Ha
GET OVER IT!!!!
Too bad they stopped the investigation so early, no telling what kind of crooks they could have realed in.
Or was it stopped early as part of a COVER UP ?????
Chicago resident – you say "Obama has NEVER been friendly with the Gov."
Then why did Obama actively campaign for the Gov. even when the Gov was suspected of shady dealings? Why was he one of the Gov.'s campaign advisors and strategists? Why did he endorse the Gov.?
You don't endorse people you don't like. Guess you could say that Politics but that answer is just as bad.
If Spitzer resigned, how is Blagojevich going to rule Illinois most likely on his way to jail?
OBAMA WILL BE IN HISTORY BOOKS LIKE THE BIGGER SCAMMER AND MANIPULATOR IN POLITICS!
SORRY, I KEEP FORGETTING :HE IS "THE ONE".