President-elect Barack Obama said Wednesday that Gov. Rod Blagojevich should resign from office, adding his voice to a long list of Illinois political leaders who have called on Mr. Blagojevich to step down.
“Under the current circumstances, it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois,” said Robert Gibbs, a spokesman for Mr. Obama.
Mr. Obama also believes his Senate seat should be filled through a special election in Illinois, Mr. Gibbs said, a position that Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois and other political leaders stated on Tuesday.
“The President-elect believes that the general assembly should consider the issue and put in place a process to select a new senator that will have the trust and confidence of the people of Illinois,” Mr. Gibbs said Wednesday.