Blago aide to employees: Thank you for dedication

SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's acting chief of staff has written a letter to all state employees to bolster flagging spirits in one of the state's rockier periods.

Clayton Harris III wrote of his "sincere appreciation for your continued public service" to more than 60,000 workers in a letter obtained by The Associated Press.

Blagojevich was charged Dec. 9 with trying to trade official acts for campaign cash. He was impeached by last week and could be removed from office.

The letter written Monday asks state employees to keep up efforts that have ensured continued services to Illinoisans.

A Blagojevich spokesman didn't immediately return a call for comment.

Clayton Harris replaced former chief of staff John Harris, who resigned after also being charged in the case against Blagojevich.