'I am dying to show how innocent I am': Illinois governor
Last Updated: Friday, December 19, 2008 | 4:29 PM ET
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Gov. Rod Blagojevich steps up to the podium Friday at the State of Illinois Building in Chicago. (M. Spencer Green/Associated Press)A defiant Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich insisted Friday that he is not guilty of any crimes and begged his constituents not to judge him until he's had his day in court.
"I will fight this thing every step of the way," Blagojevich said at a press conference in Chicago, making his first formal statement since being accused of trying to sell the vacant Senate seat of U.S. president-elect Barack Obama.
"I will fight. I will fight. I will fight until I take my last breath. I have done nothing wrong … I am dying to answer these charges. I am dying to show you how innocent I am."
Blagojevich, who quoted author Rudyard Kipling in his brief statement, gave no details about the scandal, but said he is absolutely certain he will be vindicated. In the meantime, he said it would make no sense for him to step down, as some have demanded he do, because he did nothing wrong.
"It's kind of lonely right now, but I have on my side the most powerful ally there is, and it is the truth," he said.
Charged with conspiracy
Blagojevich, who is charged with conspiracy and solicitation to commit bribery and has ignored calls for his resignation, told reporters Wednesday he couldn't wait to "begin to tell my side of the story."
An FBI affidavit said Blagojevich was intercepted on wiretaps conspiring to sell or trade the vacant Senate seat for personal benefits for himself and his wife.
Prosecutors allege Blagojevich wanted a cabinet post, placement at a private foundation in a significant position, campaign contributions or an ambassadorship in return for the Senate seat.
The 76-page affidavit alleges the 51-year-old Democratic governor even considered appointing himself if he wasn't offered anything of value.
It is also alleged he initiated various other so-called pay-to-play schemes while in office to extract money from state contractors.
Blagojevich's attorney, Ed Genson, has said he will challenge the lawfulness of court-ordered wiretaps.
The Illinois Supreme Court rejected a bid this week by the state's attorney-general to have the governor removed from office.
With files from the Associated PressShare Tools
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