Springfield, IL …Today, in a historic move, the Illinois House of Representatives voted nearly unanimously to impeach embattled Democrat Governor Rod Blagojevich.  State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago), voted in favor of impeachment.

“This is very a sad day for the State of Illinois, but I am hopeful that the action we took will allow us to begin the healing process,” said McAuliffe.

The House Special Investigative Committee provided a very compelling and comprehensive recommendation in favor of impeachment. The committee outlined a long list of impeachable offenses including: the Governor’s attempt to sell Illinois’ vacant U.S. Senate seat for personal gain; the Governor’s abuse of power in trying to blackmail the Tribune Company, the Governor’s authorization to expand health care programs without legislative approval, the Governor’s unethical hiring practices and his attempt to collect campaign contributions in return for state favors.

“While the Governor could have spared the people of our state and himself from the spectacle of impeachment, he instead chose to remain defiant. Through his own conduct, the Governor has lost the confidence of the people of Illinois, as well as the confidence of this General Assembly and left us with no choice but to impeach,” said McAuliffe.

“Illinois is facing some very serious issues, including tough financial decisions and crafting a sensible infrastructure program. Now we can take this opportunity to focus on issues important to the citizens we represent,” said McAuliffe.

Governor Blagojevich’s impeachment trial will be held in the Senate chambers with Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Fitzgerald presiding. Illinois State Senators will act as the ultimate jury for the trial, which is expected to begin January 26. A two-thirds majority in the Senate is needed to convict Blagojevich of the charges, ultimately leading to his removal from office.