Illinois AG threatens to act soon against governor

[December 11, 2008]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois' attorney general is threatening to go to the state Supreme Court to have Gov. Rod Blagojevich declared unfit to hold office if he doesn't resign soon.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan told CNN on Thursday that she is prepared to take action. She says the best thing is for the governor to resign.

Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on charges that he put President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat up for sale. He reported to his work on Wednesday, ignoring calls for his resignation.

Madigan says she "won't wait terribly long."

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THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE.
AP's earlier story is below.

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CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn says that if he's made governor, he may opt to appoint President-elect Barack Obama's Senate replacement rather than wait for a special election.

Speaking on NBC's "Today" show Thursday, Quinn said he's generally in favor of letting voters choose public officials. But he says that the economic crisis makes it vital for the state to have two senators in place.

Quinn says if embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich doesn't resign, it won't be long before he's either impeached or Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan asks the state Supreme Court to declare him unable to serve.

Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on charges that he put Obama's seat up for sale.

[Associated Press]

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