Blagojevich Remains Silent Amid Cacophony

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Obama Addresses Blagojevich Scandal

President-elect Barack Obama addresses the indictment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D-Ill.) during a news conference in Chicago on Thursday.

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"It is absolutely clear that the governor is incapable of governing," Madigan said, citing FBI transcripts of Blagojevich discussing schemes to profit from his official duties, including the appointment of Obama's successor. "Who knows what he'll do? He could actually appoint himself."

Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.) has said the Senate will not seat anyone appointed by Blagojevich.

As Blagojevich's ordeal captured imaginations and delighted comedy writers around the country, President Bush sent word through his spokesperson that the governor's alleged behavior was "astounding."

Obama said he wants a "quick resolution." The president-elect also said he has had no conversations with Blagojevich or his office about the vacant Senate seat, even when a close friend and adviser, Valerie Jarrett, was considered a contender.

Obama said he would "gather all the facts" about staff contacts between the transition office and the governor's office and release details to the public "in the next few days." But he is "absolutely certain" that his transition staff "had no involvement in any deal-making around my Senate seat."

State Rep. John Fritchey, who once campaigned alongside Blagojevich, was one of the four Democrats who said the impeachment and conviction of Blagojevich would be the most sure and efficient way to remove him. He said the governor could be removed in a matter of weeks, while a special election would take at least several months and cost as much as $50 million.

Fritchey called Blagojevich's removal "our most desirable outcome. That being said, because of the sense of uncertainty, we have to have all of our options available to us, including the special election."

Illinois state law gives the governor the sole power to appoint a new senator. Changing the law, as the Springfield leadership has vowed, would require the governor's signature, and that could prove troublesome. He would have 60 days to sign it, veto it or send it back to lawmakers for changes.

Republicans, meanwhile, have been warming to the idea of an election that might give them an unexpected chance for an upset. Although Democrats outnumber Republicans and operate a far stronger party in Illinois, state and national GOP leaders began a push for an election.

"It is ludicrous to talk about anyone appointing the next United States Senator," state Sen. Christine Radogno, the incoming Republican leader, said in a statement Thursday night. "There is no way that an appointment process can be free from the stench of this corrupt Administration."

The Wall Street Journal reported that Blagojevich, who repeatedly complained of financial hardship on secretly recorded FBI tapes, owes the law firm of Winston & Strawn $500,000 for personal or campaign legal work.

As some skeptics asked whether Blagojevich's actions were little more than political favors granted in the ordinary course of business, one experienced defense attorney called the alleged crimes serious and clear.

"What makes it a crime is that he is essentially soliciting a payoff and he is defrauding the citizens of Illinois of their right to his honest services," said Thomas C. Green, a Washington-based criminal defense lawyer. "I don't think anyone would regard this as everyday politics in Chicago or anywhere else."

Staff writers Kari Lydersen in Chicago and Dan Eggen in Washington contributed to this report.