Blagojevich: ‘I Have Done Nothing Wrong’
Gov. Rod Blagojevich said today that he “has done nothing wrong” and will not resign as governor.
“I will fight. I will fight. I will fight until I take my last breath,” he said. “And I’m not going to quit a job that people hired me to do because of false accusations and a political lynch mob.”
The governor said “it’s kind of lonely” but asked the people of Illinois for patience.
“Afford me the same rights that you and your children have. The presumption of innocence. The right to defend yourself,” he said. “I have on my side the most powerful ally there is: the truth. Besides, I have the personal knowledge that I have not done anything wrong.”
Blagojevich read a statement and did not take questions at a news conference at the James R. Thompson Center.
The statement marked the first time since his arrest 10 days ago on federal corruption charges that Blagojevich addressed his situation. He previously had told reporters camped outside his house that he wanted to talk and soon would do so.
Blagojevich’s criminal defense attorney, Edward Genson, this week accused a House impeachment panel of engaging in a “witch hunt” against the governor. Genson also dismissed as “just people jabbering” the recordings federal authorities allege show Blagojevich tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama to benefit himself and his family.
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