Blagojevich Indicted! Will Fight "To Clear My Name"

Former IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich, his brother and two aides and two business associates were indicted today, the latest development in the political saga that led Blagojevich's impeachment earlier this year.

Blagojevich was charged with 16 felony counts, including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion conspiracy and lying to federal agents, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The paper reports that the government "is seeking forfeiture of $188,370 from Blagojevich and will try to take his Ravenswood Manor home if needed."

"I'm saddened and hurt but I am not surprised by the indictment," Blagojevich said in a statement. "I am innocent. I now will fight in the courts to clear my name. I would ask the good people of Illinois to wait for the trial and afford me the presumption of innocence that they would give to all their friends and neighbors."

The federal grand jury indictment can be read here.

Blagojevich appointed Roland Burris, of course, to fill the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama; Burris, already tainted by revelations that he was approached by Blagojevich's brother for money in advance of being offered the job, could face newly intensified pressure from Democrats not to run again. The impending Blagojevich trial and continuing drama is a burden for Democrats who will, depending on whether Burris decides to run in 2010, have to defend seat that should belong solidly to the party. Republicans see opportunity in Illinois and count it as one of their top potential gets next cycle.