Highlights of Blagojevich's time in office
Highlights of two-term Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich's time in office:
2003:
Jan. 13: Blagojevich is sworn in.
April 16: Hires inspector general to investigate government corruption.
Dec. 9: Signs ethics legislation.
2006
June 30: In a letter released publicly, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald says he has witnesses to "very serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud" in the Blagojevich administration.
Oct. 11: Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a top Blagojevich fundraiser, is indicted on federal charges of using his political influence to squeeze kickbacks from companies seeking to do business with the state.
Nov. 7: Blagojevich is re-elected, handily beating Republican challenger Judy Baar Topinka.
2008
June 4: A federal jury convicts Rezko of fraud, money laundering and bribery.
Oct. 30: William Cellini, a major Illinois power broker, is indicted on charges of conspiring with Rezko to shake down an investment firm for campaign contributions to Blagojevich.
Dec. 9: Federal agents arrest Blagojevich on corruption charges that include an alleged effort to sell or trade President Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder.
Dec. 15: The Illinois House votes 113-0 to create a committee to study the allegations against Blagojevich and recommend whether he should be impeached.
Dec. 17: The Illinois Supreme Court rejects state Attorney General Lisa Madigan's effort to remove Blagojevich from office. She had argued the governor's legal and political troubles amounted to a disability.
Dec. 19: A defiant Blagojevich holds first press conference since his arrest, proclaims his innocence and says he will not resign.
Dec. 30: Blagojevich names former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to replace Obama in the Senate.
2009
Jan. 8: A key House panel unanimously recommends impeachment for Blagojevich, setting up a vote of the full House.
Jan. 9: The Illinois House votes 114-1 to impeach Blagojevich, the first Illinois governor in history to be impeached.
Jan. 15: Burris sworn in as Obama's replacement.
Jan. 23: Blagojevich holds a news conference to blast the upcoming Senate impeachment trial as unfair and says he won't participate. Defense attorney Ed Genson announces he's leaving the criminal case, suggesting Blagojevich wouldn't listen to him.
Jan. 26: The Illinois Senate opens the impeachment trial; Blagojevich goes on a media blitz in New York to proclaim his innocence.
Jan. 29: Illinois Senate votes unanimously to remove Blagojevich from office and bar him from holding office in the future; Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn sworn in as governor.