Barack Obama Urges Gov. Rod Blagojevich to Resign, Again

President-elect Barack Obama said Wednesday that Gov. Rod Blagojevich should resign from office, adding his voice to a long list of Illinois political leaders who have called on Mr. Blagojevich to step down.

“Under the current circumstances, it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois,” said Robert Gibbs, a spokesman for Mr. Obama.

- from NYTimes

President-elect Barack Obama said on Thursday he was appalled by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s efforts to sell his U.S. Senate seat and added that Blagojevich could no longer effectively perform his duties.

“I think the public trust has been violated,” Obama told a news conference. “Let me be absolutely clear. I do not think that the governor at this point can effectively serve the people of Illinois.” “I hope that the governor himself comes to the conclusion that he can no longer effectively serve and that he does resign,” Obama said. – from Reuters