Democratic Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was taken into custody by federal agents on December 9, 2008, in connection with corruption charges. Blagojevich's arrest follows a three-year investigation into the governor's administration. Blagojevich's chief of staff, John Harris, was also arrested. Both men are charged with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery.CNN: Details from Rod Blagojevich's 74-page affidavit (December 9, 2008)

On January 29, 2009, after completion of an impeachment trial at which Blagojevich appeared only on the last day to deliver closing statements, a state senate tribunal voted unanimously to remove Blagojevich from office. Lieutenant Governor Patrick (Pat) Quinn will be sworn in as his replacement.STL Today: Rod Blagojevich removed from office as Illinois governor (January 29, 2009)

In a press conference on December 19, 2008, Blagojevich said he had no intention of resigning. He said "I will fight, I will fight, I will fight until I take my last breath. I have done nothing wrong. ... I want to assure everyone that's here and everyone who's listening.... I am absolutely certain that I will be vindicated."Chicago Tribune: Blagojevich: 'I have done nothing wrong' (December 19, 2008)

On January 23, 2009, Blagojevich held a press conference where he defended himself from the charges and said that the rules in the State Senate impeachment trial are unfair. Blagojevich especially criticized the fact that testimonies that might jeopardize the criminal corruption trial will not be allowed, which bars Blagojevich from calling some of the witnesses he would like to testify.WBBM: Blago: They're Just Hanging Me (January 23, 2009)

On December 10, 2008, President-elect Barack Obama called for the resignation of Blagojevich, stating that the Illinois State Assembly should consider a special election to oust the beleaguered governor.The Associated Press: A top aide to Ill. Gov. Blagojevich resigns (December 10, 2008)

On December 11, 2008, all 50 members of the U.S. Senate Democratic Caucus issued a letter calling for Blagojevich's resignation.FOX News: Illinois Attorney General Wants Blagojevich Declared Unfit... (December 11, 2008)

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a motion with the state Supreme Court asking that Blagojevich be declared unfit to serve as governor on December 12, 2008. Madigan said she wanted Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn installed as Illinois' acting governor.Chicago Breaking News: Madigan to court: Declare Blagojevich unfit (December 12, 2008)

According to a federal affidavit, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is accused of offering to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat in exchange for personal gain. The criminal complaint also alleges that Blagojevich demanded "the firing of certain Chicago Tribune editorial members" who wrote "widely circulated critical editorials" about him. Prosecutors allege that Blagojevich illegally threatened to withhold state assistance in the sale of Wrigley Field if the Tribune newspaper employees were not fired.Federal Indictment Against Rod Blagojevich (315.56 KB)

He is also alleged to have demanded campaign contributions from $50,000 to $500,000 from contractors and executives for assistance in obtaining state contracts. When the executive of Children's Memorial Hospital didn't come through with a contribution, Blagojevich is alleged to have discussed rescinding $8 million of the hospital's state funding.Christian Science Monitor: Feds arrest Illinois governor for corruption (December 9, 2008) Fox News: Prosecutor: Blagojevich Engaged in 'Political Corruption Crime Spree' (December 9, 2008)

U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said in a statement that "The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering."CBS News: Illinois Governor Taken Into Custody (December 9, 2008) ChicagoTribune.com: Illinois Gov. Blagojevich...arrested

The governor was released on a $4,500 personal recognizance bond after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nan Nolan on the afternoon of December 9, 2008, and returned to work the following day despite calls for his resignation from office.Christian Science Monitor: Feds arrest Illinois governor for corruption (December 9, 2008) Chicago Tribune: A chorus of calls to step down, or else (December 9, 2008)

The FBI placed wire taps on two phone lines from the offices of Blagojevich's campaign headquarters and one on his home in Ravenswood, beginning October 22, 2008.Chicago Sun Times: Feds tapped Blagojevich's home, campaign phones (December 9, 2008)

"I'm going to keep this Senate option for me a real possibility, you know, and therefore I can drive a hard bargain. You hear what I'm saying? And if I don't get what I want and I'm not satisfied with it, then I'll just take the Senate seat myself. It's a f---ing valuable thing; you just don't give it away for nothing."—Gov. Rod Blagojevich, about Barack Obama's Senate seatCNN: Details from Rod Blagojevich's 74-page affidavit (December 9, 2008)

"Our recommendation is fire all those f---ing people, get 'em the f--- out of there and get us some editorial support."—Gov. Rod Blagojevich, about the Tribune editorial boardCNN: Details from Rod Blagojevich's 74-page affidavit (December 9, 2008)

"I will fight. I will fight. I will fight until I take my last breath. And I'm not going to quit a job that people hired me to do because of false accusations and a political lynch mob. I intend to answer every allegation that comes my way. However, I intend to answer them in the appropriate forum: in a court of law. And when I do, I am absolutely certain that I will be vindicated.—Gov. Rod Blagojevich, in a December 19, 2008 press conferenceChicago Tribune: Blagojevich: 'I have done nothing wrong' (December 19, 2008)