New Ill. Lawmakers Greet Blago with Silence

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — Impeached Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich was greeted by stony silence at a swearing-in ceremony for new state Senators who will decide whether to toss him from office.

Blagojevich, who is presiding over the ceremony, wasn't applauded Wednesday as he entered the Senate, where he stuck to formalities and didn't immediately address his situation.

But in a nominating speech for Senate president, Democratic Sen. Lou Viverito noted the ceremony would ideally come under different circumstances and told his colleagues they can take a step toward restoring public trust.

Blagojevich was impeached last week, more than a month after his arrest on federal corruption charges.

Blagojevich didn't react to the speech from Viverito, who'd arrived late to the ceremony.

The governor allowed him to take his oath upon arriving.