The hammering of nails into Blagojevich's political coffin just got louder, a lot louder.
President-elect Barack Obama is joining lawmakers of both parties in the state of Illinois, both statewide officeholders and members of the Illinois General Assembly, saying it's now time for Illinois' governor to resign.
Obama spokesperson Robert Gibbs told the Associated Press, "Under the current circumstances, it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois."
Obama is also said to favor a special election to fill his seat in the United States Senate.
Governor Blagojevich and president-elect Obama have never been particularly close. The two men share a very uncomfortable tie to convicted fundraiser Tony Rezko, so whether or not obama's decision now to call for Blagojevich to resign will have an impact remains to be seen. The governor has shown an indifference over the months to disapproval, whether it be from the public or his fellow politicians.
ABC7 has emailed the governor's spokesperson for comment. He has not yet responded.
At last word, the governor continued to be upstairs in his 16th floor office at the Thompson Center in Chicago Wednesday, said to be working on the business of the state.
Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday, accused of scheming to enrich himself by selling Obama's vacant Senate seat. The governor has authority to appoint the replacement. He denies any wrongdoing.
Gibbs says the hope is to put a process in place to select a new senator who'll have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
