SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Jesse White said Monday he would block any appointment Gov. Rod Blagojevich's makes for the state's empty U.S. Senate seat, should the governor make one.

"I will not accept that nomination," White said. "I would block it."

Blagojevich has been urged by a chorus of Illinois officials not to make the pick after being arrested on federal corruption charges last week.

White would have to sign off on Blagojevich's choice, but it has been unclear whether his role was simply a matter of handling paperwork.

Some lawmakers are trying to approve holding a special statewide election to fill the vacancy left by President-elect Barack Obama. White said, though, that if Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn took over for Blagojevich in the near future, he wouldn't block a pick by Quinn.

"I like the idea of him making the decision," White said.

Lawmakers plan to work today in Springfield, possibly on the special election idea, but also the potential impeachment of Blagojevich.

White is not alone is saying he'd block a Blagojevich pick. Democratic leaders in the U.S. Senate also say they would refuse to seat someone sent to Washington, D.C., by Blagojevich.

mike.riopell@lee.net|789-0865