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Governor Picks Obama Senate Replacement, Remains Defiant -- DOWNLOAD GOV'S PRESS CONFERENCE HERE
Gov. Rod Blagojevich has defied U.S. Senate leaders and his own state's lawmakers by appointing former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to replace President-elect Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.

Blagojevich announced his decision in Chicago Tuesday with the 71-year-old Burris at his side.

The governor praised Burris' integrity and said he hopes that the allegations against him don't "taint this good and honest man."

Burris says he's eager to get to work in Washington. He says he's proud of his accomplishments and vowed to uphold the integrity of the office.

Burris says he has no connection to the charges against Blagojevich, who was arrested on Dec. 9 and accused of trying to profit from appointing Obama's replacement.

Burris was the first African-American elected to major statewide office. He has served as Illinois' comptroller and ran for governor three times, the last time losing to Blagojevich in the Democratic primary in 2002.

(Illinois Radio Network)

To download WGIL's coverage of Blagojevich's press conference, CLICK HERE (mp3 format, approximately 20 minutes in length).
12 30 08 by Newsroom
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