Blagojevich Busted

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Gov. Rod Blagojevich told several pastors Friday that he is innocent of federal corruption charges and will be vindicated when all the information comes out, and meanwhile is still conducting state business.

But all the while, the momentum is building to impeach Blagojevich, as he continues to hold onto his $177,000-a-year job as chief executive of the State of Illinois three days after being arrested on corruption charges. 

On Friday morning, the Rev. Ira Acree and another minister came to Blagojevich's house. Acree spoke with reporters briefly afterward, saying he had come to pray with Blagojevich because he is under so much stress.

"Any father can sympathize with media swarming the house," Acre told reporters. He also said the governor has children and added that his prayers are with the governor's family. 

Acree, of the Greater St. John Bible Church, says Blagojevich would not discuss details of the allegations against him, including that he tried to sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant senate seat.

Acree says the governor is trying to get a legal and political consultation team in place. But he says the governor feels as if everything is closing in on him and that he's not getting "any space or chance to sort anything out."

About 8:50 a.m. another reverend, Leonard Barr of the South Side's Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, emerged from the front door with the governor. When asked what were they praying for, Barr said to "continue to be a great governor."

He then got into a gold colored Lexus car with his wife, Rita, who was in the front passenger seat and they drove away.

Later Friday morning, Blagojevich and his wife Patti left their house. Blagojevich had a gym bag with him. He later arrived at work at the his Thompson Center office.

Among Blagojevich's accomplishments Friday was signing Senate Bill 934 into law, which provides insurance to parent of children with autism. The law provides coverage for all of those under 21 for the diagnosis and treatment of autistic spectrum disorders for up to $36,000 a year.

While Blagojevich has not issued any kind of public comment in recent weeks – about his arrest or otherwise – the news release about the autism bill did include a statement by Blagojevich.

"Families of children with autism have a right to access the treatment their children need and today that has finally become a reality in Illinois," Blagojevich said in the release. "I have continued to fight for this cause and I am pleased to sign this bill into law today."

By 1:30 p.m., Blagojevich had left the office, but it was not immediately learned where he went. His aides said he had meetings.

Officials Want Blagojevich Impeached
Blagojevich has said nothing else to the people of Illinois since he was arrested on Tuesday, but he is reportedly aware of the chorus of calls for his resignation and deliberating on his own future.

If the governor does not resign within the next 36 hours, all eyes will shift to Springfield, where legislators will gather on Monday to begin the potentially lengthy impeachment process. Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn is joining lawmakers and residents alike in saying Blagojevich has become an embarrassment to the state and can no longer lead.

Blagojevich's approval rating now stands at a mere 8 percent.

CBS 2 has learned that the governor is actively considering resigning from his post, sooner rather than later. But on Thursday night, a spokesman was not saying when that might happen.

"I think he realizes there are some people out there who want him to resign," Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero said. "I think the suddenness of all this is something he has to take some time to sort through things."

Guerrero added, "There's a lot of things he would like to say to the people of Illinois, and he probably will say them when the time comes."

On Thursday afternoon, a letter to all Democratic state representatives from Rep. John Fritchey, head of the House Civil Judiciary Committee, maintained "it is imperative to replace Governor Blagojevich as soon as is practicable."

"Pursuing impeachment, while unfortunate, is the most direct and certain way to achieve the goal which we need to achieve, which is the removal of the governor," Fritchey said in an interview. 

The decision to launch impeachment proceedings largely rests with House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago), a long-time Blagojevich rival who is hearing from all sides that it's time for quick action.

CBS 2's Joanie Lum, Chief Correspondent Jay Levine Dana Kozlov, The Associated Press and the STNG Wire contributed to this report.

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