The following press release about Governor Rod Blagojevich’s arrest on what U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald called “a political crime spree” has been received from 16th District Congressman Don Manzullo:

Manzullo to Blagojevich: “Resign Now”

[WASHINGTON] Congressman Don Manzullo (R-IL) issued the following statement reacting to the arrest of Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich this morning on federal corruption charges:

“I am aghast at the depth of these charges and Governor Blagojevich’s alleged efforts to benefit personally and criminally from seemingly every action he has taken as leader of our state. His brazen decision to shake down potential appointments to the U.S. Senate is only overshadowed by his disgusting threat to hold up funding for sick children until he received a sizable campaign donation from the hospital CEO.

“This state has many needs and challenges right now and cannot function with the Governor facing these horrible charges. There can be no capital bill, no U.S. Senate appointment, and no way out of our state’s financial morass as long as Rod Blagojevich remains Governor of Illinois. He must finally do right by the people of Illinois and resign now. If he doesn’t, the Illinois General Assembly should immediately begin impeachment proceedings against him.”