Panel poised to back Blagojevich’s impeachment vote

The Illinois House committee investigating Gov. Rod Blagojevich released a draft report Thursday that concludes the Democratic governor has abused his power and was poised to recommend he be impeached by the full chamber.

“The citizens of this state must have confidence that their governor will faithfully serve the people and put their interests before his own,” the report reads. “It is with profound regret that the committee finds that our current governor has not done so.”

The panel could vote to accept the report and recommend impeachment when it resumes work Thursday afternoon, which would set up a full House vote Friday. If the House votes to impeach, the matter would go to the state Senate for a trial. No Illinois governor has ever been impeached.