Gov. may allow special election for Senate seat

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Gov. Rod Blagojevich hasn't ruled out signing a bill creating a special election to fill President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat, his spokesman said Monday, the first hint that the embattled governor may loosen his grip on the seat.

Blagojevich was arrested last week on charges that he tried to profit from his power to choose Obama's replacement and shook down businesses seeking state deals.

The Legislature was to meet Monday afternoon to consider special election legislation, but lawmakers were also likely to discuss impeaching Blagojevich.

While Blagojevich hasn't seen a proposed special election bill, he hasn't ruled out the possibility of signing such a bill, spokesman Lucio Guerrero said early Monday without elaborating.

Blagojevich, meanwhile, remained defiant and returned to work Monday to sign a tax credit bill.

Credits: Associated Press