Developing Story: Illinois House impeaches Gov. Rod Blagojevich

    SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois House has voted to impeach
Gov. Rod Blagojevich (bluh-GOY’-uh-vich), an unprecedented step in
state history.
    The action sets the stage for a Senate trial on whether he
should be thrown out of office for corruption and abuse of power.

    House members found evidence that the two-term Democrat had
abused his power, including improperly spending tax money, adopting
programs without legislative approval and violating state hiring
laws. He’s denied wrongdoing.

    The House began impeachment proceedings after federal
authorities arrested Blagojevich Dec. 9. He’s accused, among other
things, of attempting to sell an appointment to fill
President-elect Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat for
political favors.