U.S. federal prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald asked the Illinois House of Representatives not to look into criminal charges against Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, claiming it would hinder the investigation. The impeachment committee has agreed to follow the instructions of the federal prosecutors, so it will not be questioning aides or campaign donors about possible criminal charges against Blagojevich. However, the committeee may still consider the evidence outlined in the complaint regarding possible crimes when deciding whether to recommend impeachment. If the House votes to impeach, the Illinois Senate will act as jury in the impeachment proceedings before an Illinois Supreme Court judge.
Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris were arrested earlier this month on charges of corruption, involving conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery. They are accused of conspiring to sell or trade President-elect Obama’s Senate seat and obtaining illegal campaign contributions. Harris resigned after the charges were brought, but Bladgojevich has refused to step down and continues to maintain his innocence. The Illinois attorney general’s attempt to have Bladgojevich temporarily removed from office was rejected by the Illinois Supreme Court.
Source:http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2008/12/us-federal-prosecutor-limits.php
Tags: Blagojevich, impeachment, Patrick Fitzgerald
