Illinois Lt. Gov. Asks Blagojevich to Step Aside

Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn (D) called on Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) to step aside following the governor’s arrest in a corruption-related probe earlier today.

“The governor is still the governor as of this moment,” Quinn said in a press conference, reported by Chicago Breaking News, but urged Blagojevich to step aside, even temporarily if not permanently.

“I think that should certainly be considered by the governor today,” Quinn said. “I think he knows what he needs to do for the people.”

The option exists in the Illinois constitution for Blagojevich to step aside temporarily if he does not resign. In either circumstance, Quinn would become either acting or permanent governor of Illinois.

Echoing Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin’s (D-Ill.) call earlier today, Quinn said the Illinois General Assembly should vote to strip Blagojevich of the ability to appoint a successor to President-elect Barack Obama in the Senate.

Blagojevich is said to have sought political or monetary favors in exchange for his appointment to replace Obama as Senator from Illinois.