Obama calls on Illinois governor to resign

Washington, Dec 11 (DPA) President-elect Barack Obama called on Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to resign Wednesday following his arrest on corruption charges.

'The president-elect agrees ... that under the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois,' Robert Gibbs, Obama's spokesman, said, according to the Washington Post.

Blagojevich was arrested Tuesday on multiple corruption charges, including that he sought bribes and political favours from those being considered to take Obama's vacated Senate seat.

Gibbs said Obama believes the Illinois state legislature should move to takeover the responsibility for replacing Obama in the Senate or hold a special election.

Blagojevich remains governor and still has the power to appoint a new senator. Obama resigned his seat 12 days after winning the Nov 4 presidential election.

Obama Tuesday said Blagojevich's arrest marked a 'sad' day for his home state but refused to comment on the case. He denied having any knowledge of Blagojevich's activities.