Illinois Attorney General Calls for Court to Oust Gov. Blagojevich

As governor, Mr. Blagojevich's duty is to do what is best for the people of the state of Illinois, not for himself.

In light of his arrest and the filing of the criminal complaint, Governor Blagojevich can no longer fulfill his official duties with any legitimacy. Based on Article Five, Section Six of the Illinois constitution and Illinois Supreme Court Rule 382, we filed with the Illinois Supreme Court a motion for leave to file a verified complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief, a verified complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief, a brief in support of the motion to file a complaint, and a motion for a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary injunction.

Let me note that the Illinois Supreme Court has discretion as to whether or not to hear this case. I would hope that, in light of these extraordinary and unprecedented circumstances, the court will provide the people of the state an opportunity to present their case, because while the legislature is scheduled to convene in special session on Monday -- and I have encouraged them to move forward with impeachment proceedings -- the impeachment process will take time.

In the interim, state government is paralyzed by a governor who is incapable of governing.

My action will not eliminate the need for impeachment and trial. And the Illinois constitution gives the Illinois Supreme Court the authority to determine a governor's ability to serve.

As the attorney general, it is my job to serve as the lawyer for the people of the state. And it is my job to present this question to the court.