Scandal plagued Illinois governor vows to fight to "last breath"

US News

Dec 19, 2008, 19:38 GMT

Washington - Embattled Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich said Friday he was not guilty of corruption, vowed to fight the federal charges to the 'last breath' and rebuffed calls to resign. 'I am not guilty of any crime,' Blagojevich said in his first public comments on the scandal since charges were announced December 9. 'I intend to stay on the job and I intend to fight this every step of the way. 'I will fight. I will fight. I will fight until I take my last breath,' he said. Federal authorities arrested Blagojevich on December 9 at his Chicago home, accusing him of attempting to solicit bribes by using his sole power to appoint a successor to the US Senate seat vacated by president-elect Barack Obama. Blagojevich, 51, and his top aide face a host of other corruption- related charges in addition to trying to sell Obama's seat to the highest bidder. 'I am absolutely certain that I will be vindicated,' Blagojevich said. Blagojevich did not discuss the charges against him and did not take questions, saying only: 'I am dying to answer these charges.'

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