CHICAGO, Jan 9: Illinois lawmakers impeached their corruption-tainted governor on Friday in a move which could oust the man accused of trying to sell president-elect Barack Obama’s senate seat from office.

The Illinois House of Representatives voted 114 to 1 to charge Democratic Governor Rod Blagojevich with abuse of power. He now faces a trial in the state senate.

Blagojevich, who was arrested on Dec 9 amid what prosecutors called a “political corruption crime spree”, stands accused of a host of misdeeds.

“The evidence we gathered makes it clear that this governor tramples on the legislative prerogative. He breaks state and federal laws,” said Democratic House Majority leader Barbara Flynn Currie.

“In his own words he expresses a willingness to barter state official acts and state taxpayer money for personal and political gain,” she said.

“This governor has violated his oath of office. This governor has breached the public trust. This governor must be impeached.”

Blagojevich has vehemently proclaimed his innocence and said he “can’t wait” to clear his name in court.

But he refused to defend himself in front of a state house inquiry which on Thursday recommended his impeachment.

There is “no chance” the governor will resign in the wake of his impeachment, spokesman Lucio Guerro told AFP.