Blagone

Chicago Tribune’s Clout Street Blog: Senate removes Blagojevich from office

5:02 p.m. Quinn takes charge

Gov. Patrick Quinn has signed the oath of office.

He did so in his lieutenant governor’s office as Illinois Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias watched.

A member of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s security detail entered Quinn’s office and is standing guard, as are other state police officers, following the vote.

During the vote, Quinn could be seen walking back and forth.

5:01 p.m. Standing ovation for justice

The Illinois Senate offered a standing ovation for Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald, who presided over the trial.

4:58 p.m. Senate votes to ban Blagojevich from ever holding office again

The state Senate voted 59-0 to ban former Gov. Rod Blagojevich from again holding elected office in Illinois.

The vote is the equivalent of the political death penalty.

4:53 p.m. Senate vote now official

The Illinois Senate has voted 59-0 to remove Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office.