Illinois governor arrested for corruption

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Source: CCTV.com | 12-10-2008 09:53

The governor of the US state of Illinois has been arrested on corruption charges, including that he tried to sell the Senate seat vacated by fellow Democrat and President-elect Barack Obama.

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich speaks to the media after visiting with workers occupying the Republic  Windows and Doors factory December 8, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois.(AFP/Getty Images/File/Scott Olson)

Prosecutors also say Governor Rod Blagojevich [blah GOY uh vitch] tried to muscle the Chicago Tribune into firing editorial writers who are critical of him.

There have been immediate calls from both Republicans and Democrats in Illinois that Blagojevich resign and allow the lieutenant governor, also a Democrat, to step in.

Under state law, Blagojevich could still make the appointment even if later indicted. But federal prosecutors say they moved against the governor before he could make the Senate choice.

Each mail and wire fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison while each bribery charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei