Blago Says He Won't Appoint Anyone to Senate

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich won't appoint anyone to Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat while his corruption scandal unfolds, his lawyer said today. "Why would he do that?" said Ed Genson. "Harry Reid said that they're not going to accept anybody he picks." Genson, who spoke to reporters after addressing a state impeachment panel, said Blagojevich plans to hold a news conference on Friday, Bloomberg reports.

The day was a busy one for the scandal:

• Genson challenged the legality of the legislature's impeachment hearing, demanded that some members be removed, and sought a delay in the proceedings. He was unsuccessful on all counts.
• The state's Supreme Court denied a bid from Illinois' attorney general to remove Blagojevich from office.

(More Rod Blagojevich stories.)