SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Senate is busy preparing for the upcoming impeachment trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, according to State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac).

Rutherford and the other 58 members of the Illinois Senate will begin the trial of Gov. Blagojevich on January 26^th.  In preparation for the trial, the Special Committee on Impeachment Procedures, of which Rutherford is a member, has been meeting to establish the rules for the Senate trial.  On January 14, after the 96^th General Assembly is sworn in, it is expected that the full Senate will approve the impeachment procedures for the subsequent trial. 

When the Senate convenes the trial, the Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice will serve as the head of the proceedings. Each Illinois Senator will serve as a juror and judge at the same time. A two-thirds majority vote will be required to find the Governor guilty and remove him from office.