*Administration of Barack H. Obama, 2009 *

**Statement on Former Governor Rod Blagojevich of Illinois **

*January 29, 2009 *

Today ends a painful episode for Illinois. For months, the State had been crippled by a crisis of leadership. Now that cloud has lifted. I wish Governor Quinn the best and pledge my full cooperation as he undertakes his new responsibilities.

NOTE: The statement referred to Gov. Patrick Quinn of Illinois, who assumed the Office of Governor upon former Governor Rod Blagojevich’s conviction on Articles of Impeachment by the Illinois Senate.

*Categories:* Statements by the President : Blagojevich, Rod, former Governor of Illinois.

*Names:* Blagojevich, Rod R.; Quinn, Patrick J.

*Subjects:* Illinois : Former Governor, impeachment; Illinois : Governor.

*DCPD Number:* DCPD200900035.