Blagojevich appoints new Illinois senator

The Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has defied fellow democrats to appoint a successor to fill Barack Obama’s vacant senate seat.

The governor is charged with trying to sell the seat to the highest bidder. But he denies that, and has appointed Roland Burris a former Illinois Attorney-General. The move has sparked huge controversy but Blagojevich is unrepentant. “I would like to ask everyone to do me one thing. Don’t allow the charges against me to taint this good and honest man,” said Blagojevich. However, that may be easier said than done. Senate Democrats have vowed to block the appointment saying Burris would serve under a cloud. President-elect Barack Obama said Blagojevich’s move was “extremely disappointing”. Prosecutors say court approved bugging shows he wanted to trade the post for cash, a highly-paid job, or an ambassadorship.More about: USA

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