Senate takes first steps toward impeachment trial

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Senate officials have delivered a summons to Gov. Rod Blagojevich for his impeachment trial.

Blagojevich spokeswoman Kelley Quinn says the governor's legal team accepted the summons from the Senate's sergeant-at-arms Wednesday.

Earlier, senators were sworn in as jurors by the Illinois Supreme Court's chief justice. They'll conduct a trial to determine whether Blagojevich should be removed from office.

Senators also heard the official impeachment charges from the House.

And they approved rules for the trial that begins Jan. 26. The rules govern issues such as subpoenas and evidence.

The House impeached Blagojevich, claiming abuse of power. He faces a federal criminal complaint over allegedly trading government action for personal gain.