SPRINGFIELD - One month to the day after Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on federal corruption charges, the Illinois House voted overwhelmingly Friday to impeach the disgraced Chicago Democrat.

The 52-year-old chief executive vowed to fight his ouster when the matter is taken up by the Senate later this month, saying he was being vilified for using "creative" ways to help people who need cheap prescription drugs and inexpensive health insurance.

"Is that an impeachable offense?" said Blagojevich at a Chicago appearance Friday afternoon.

The Senate is expected to launch its inquiry Jan. 26. It will be the first time since 1833 the Senate has held an impeachment trial.

"We've done our job in the House. The Senate now has the duty looking at that evidence and conducting a trial," said state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion.

Blagojevich took office in 2003 and was re-elected in 2006. Although he fought with lawmakers throughout his tenure, it was his Dec. 9 arrest on federal corruption charges that triggered the House's action.

Blagojevich, always an aggressive and prodigious fundraiser, is charged with plotting to sell Illinois' vacant U.S. Senate seat, as well as attempting to shake down individuals for large campaign contributions.

A special House impeachment committee said Blagojevich's governing style also was cause for his removal. The panel, which met over the course of three weeks, reviewed evidence that Blagojevich tried to expand government without legislative approval. He also was criticized for alleged hiring improprieties.

"It took handcuffs on the governor to convince people that something needed to be done," said state Rep. Roger Eddy, R-Hutsonville. "The governor is a unique combination of stupidity, arrogance and evil."

Blagojevich has denied any wrongdoing but continued to vex his critics when, in the midst of his problems in mid-December, he appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to President-elect Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat.

He said Friday he was not surprised by the House's action because members have previously blocked his attempts to help the citizens of Illinois.

The governor did not answer questions after a short news conference in Chicago.

The vote in the House came after a number of speeches by lawmakers, who said the governor betrayed the trust of the people of Illinois. The entire session last less than 90 minutes.

"The governor has failed to uphold his oath of office," said House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, a Chicago Democrat who oversaw a special committee that investigated the governor's actions.

"He's failed in his responsibility as governor," added House Minority Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego. "You ought to be mad as hell. I am mad. I am angry. This is an embarrassment. This is about as bad as it gets."

State Rep. Milt Patterson, D-Chicago, was the lone "no" vote. He said the evidence against Blagojevich wasn't strong enough.

"I do not feel comfortable voting based on what I've heard or read, simple as that. I went by my own gut feeling," Patterson said.

State Rep. Elga Jefferies, D-Chicago, was the lone "present" vote. She said the charges against the governor have been "blown out of proportion."

"I think a lot of it is personal," Jefferies said.

Lawmakers who sat on the special investigative committee disagreed.

"The evidence was overwhelmingly damning," said state Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet.

Following the vote, there was hope the possible removal of Blagojevich could put an end to the gridlock that has plagued Illinois government for the past two years.

"This begins to reverse the damage that's been done to the people of Illinois," said state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington.

"He can't govern anymore. We need to get rid of him and move on," said state Rep. Shane Cultra, R-Onarga.

Some lawmakers believe the governor could leave before the Senate kicks him out.

"Knowing him like I do, I think he will try and fight it until the end. But, I think if he gets the chance he will try and make some type of deal and resign," said state Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Milan.

If Blagojevich is removed from office by the Senate, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn will take over as governor.

Quinn, 61, is in his second term as lieutenant governor. He also served as Illinois treasurer.

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