Illinois court rejects attempt to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich

[DogPoundPup]

Source: Daily News

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois - A legislative panel deciding whether to impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich, accused of trying to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat, is to hear from its first witnesses Thursday.

The Illinois House impeachment committee faces more pressure now that the state's highest court has blocked an attempt to declare the two-term governor unfit to serve because of his legal and political troubles.

The bipartisan panel planned to hear from its first witnesses Thursday, including state government's top internal watchdog. The chairwoman, Barbara Flynn Currie, said the committee will focus on whether Blagojevich abused his power by defying lawmakers, refusing to release public documents and spending money without authorization.

The governor's lawyer, Ed Genson, appeared before the panel Wednesday and challenged it on multiple fronts. He said three members should be removed for alleged impartiality, the committee's rules should be changed and it should not consider accusations in a criminal complaint against the governor.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2008/12/18/2008-12-18_illinois_court_rejects_attempt_to_remove.html