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Blago's Final Word
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he isn't looking for any pity, he never considered resigning, and he just wants the opportunity to clear his name.

Blagojevich spoke to reporters and neighbors who gathered outside his home on Chicago's North Side, just hours after the Illinois Senate voted 59-0 to remove him as governor and ban him from holding public office ever again.

The ex-governor says he's saddened, but not surprised, by the decision. He says the impeachment proceedings were "a fixed deal from the very beginning."

Blagojevich says he "loves the people of Illinois" more than ever and he intends to keep fighting now that he's a private citizen.

After making some brief comments to reporters, Blagojevich appeared about to return to his home but he stopped to shake hands with supporters before wading into the crowd to talk further.

When asked by a neighbor if he had any advice for Gov. Pat Quinn, Blagojevich said, "Don't raise taxes." He predicts Quinn and lawmakers will push for a tax increase in the coming months.

Blagojevich will get to keep his state pension, although the pension board will reconsider that if he is convicted of a crime. His security detail was dismissed about 20 minutes after the impeachment vote came in.

Blagojevich said he did not watch the Senate proceedings. He says he was told about his ouster by telephone.

Download Blagojevich's full statement by CLICKING HERE (mp3 format).

(Illinois Radio Network)
01 29 09 by Newsroom
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