WASHINGTON - President-elect Barack Obama ratcheted up the pressure on Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich yesterday to leave office, saying the embattled governor could no longer serve effectively amid criminal allegations that he attempted to leverage Obama's former Senate seat for personal gain.
Obama's appeal was joined by all 50 members of the Senate's Democratic caucus, who warned that they would consider blocking any appointee from taking office who had been sent to Washington by Blagojevich, who under state law has the power to name Obama's successor.
A day after Obama appeared reluctant to involve himself in the swirling controversy, the president-elect yesterday called on Blagojevich to resign, saying through a spokesman that "under the current circumstances, it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois."
Blagojevich was arrested at his Chicago home Tuesday and accused by federal prosecutors of trying to trade his power to appoint Obama's replacement for cash or a lucrative job, and of engaging in other "pay to play" schemes in which state jobs, funds and contracts would be traded for campaign donations. He has denied any wrongdoing.
After being released from federal custody, Blagojevich went to work at his downtown office yesterday morning, pursued by reporters. He did not comment on the government's allegations.
Blagojevich, 52, and his chief of staff, John Harris, 46, have been charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery. Federal investigators obtained wiretaps on Blagojevich's phone lines, and the governor was intercepted allegedly saying the Senate seat "is a f----- valuable thing, you just don't give away."
Meanwhile, lawmakers who were considered likely choices for Obama's Senate seat were met with speculation about their dealings with Blagojevich. Democratic Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. of Illinois told reporters in Washington that "I did not initiate nor authorize anyone - at any time - to promise anything to Governor Blagojevich on my behalf."
Jackson's Chicago-based attorney said he believes the congressman is the person identified only as "Senate Candidate 5" in the criminal complaint filed against Blagojevich. In the complaint, prosecutors allege that Blagojevich said he was approached by an intermediary for Senate Candidate 5 who offered to raise $1 million in campaign funds for Blagojevich if the candidate received the appointment.
