Impeachment panel awaiting word from prosecutor

SPRINGFIELD -- Lawmakers studying impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich have adjourned for the rest of the week.

They're still waiting to hear from U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald on just how deeply they'll be able to probe the charges against the governor.

The committee has said it won't do anything to hamper Fitzgerald's investigation. It asked his office for guidance on what it should avoid.

Committee members say they expect Fitzgerald will advise them to avoid most if not all the case.

Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 on federal corruption charges that include scheming to benefit from his power to name President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate replacement. Blagojevich last week declared his innocence and vowed to stay in office and fight the charges.