Blago Blasts Impeachment; Successor Seeks Prayers

Rod Blagojevich remained unapologetic after the Illinois Senate added him to the ranks of the unemployed today, MSNBC reports. "I'm obviously saddened and disappointed by what's happened, but not surprised," said the impeached governor. "It's a very dangerous precedent to set because a whole bunch of politicians have their own agenda." He vowed to clear his name. "I love the people of Illinois today more than I ever have before," he said.

Meanwhile, his successor likened his own situation to that of Gerald Ford's when he took over for Nixon, notes the Tribune. Ford "pointed out that he was not elected by the ballots of the people, so he asked the people of America to confirm his office by their prayers, and I have the same request for the people of Illinois," said Gov. Pat Quinn. "This is by far the most trying and difficult time in the history of our state." (More Rod Blagojevich stories.)