Blagojevich impeachment trial schedule

A conviction there requires a two-thirds majority. Blagojevich was arrested last month on federal corruption charges for trying to auction Barack Obama's vacant U. Senate seat for campaign contributions or a cushy job.

Blagojevich has repeatedly denied the claims and says he will be vindicated. But even before today's bell rang in the latest round between Illinois lawmakers and the governor, there has been a long list of issues they have gone to battle over. For years, the House and Senate have feuded with each other and the second-term Democratic governor, particularly over collecting and spending tax dollars. If the House recommends removing Blagojevich, the Senate trial could take weeks or months, dimming prospects for such legislative progress next spring.

Many would argue such a scenario would be little changed from Here's a look at what did -- and didn't -- happen in Springfield last year.

The cuts resulted in announcements in August that the state would lay off workers, close two dozen state attractions and eliminate key human services such as substance abuse treatment. But by the time Blagojevich acted on it, the national economy turned south, and the governor said he'd still have to lay off 85 workers and close 18 state parks and historic sites.

While he couldn't save everyone's job, he said he is using the money the Legislature sent him to prevent future layoffs. It was temporarily sidetracked by Blagojevich's arrest, but went through just before Christmas.

Huge bill backlogs could cause catastrophes, Hynes warned, if vendors refuse to deliver state services. Garbage piled up for 10 days at the Mount Sterling prison in November when the hauler halted collection until he was paid four months' of bills.

Many small businesses that do state work must borrow money to keep going while they await state payment. They could lay off employees or go bankrupt, further hurting the economy, Hynes has said. Deborah Mell, D-Chicago, cast her first vote as a member of the House against impeaching her brother-in-law, Blagojevich. Mell darted out a back door afterward.

I could not in good conscience vote for his impeachment. Blagojevich presided over swearing in the new senators who will be responsible for his trial. The Senate did its best to avoid the impeachment topic while the target of its upcoming trial was still present. The Chicago Tribune reported that Genson said his inability to call witnesses or to know the identities of some parties in alleged schemes made it impossible to defend Blagojevich in the impeachment trial.

After Genson announced Friday he would leave Blagojevich's criminal defense effort, another of Blagojevich's attorneys, Sheldon Sorosky, said he was continuing to work on the case. Genson's position, and he's a good friend," said Sorosky.

Asked by a reporter if he would recommend to Blagojevich that the talkative governor curtail his public comments, Sorosky said, "You can't tell the governor what to do or not to do. Share this on:. Story Highlights Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's top attorney to resign from defense team Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell Senate seat vacated by President Obama Blagojevich's impeachment trial set to start on Monday Next Article in Politics ».

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial is scheduled to start on Monday. Don't Miss Governor says impeachment vote is politically driven Panel recommends impeaching Blagojevich.