Ex-Illinois governor calls removal a 'hijacking'

updated 8:05 a.m. ET Feb. 3, 2009

CHICAGO - Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is lashing out at lawmakers who booted him from office, calling his removal a "hijacking."

The Illinois Senate unanimously convicted Blagojevich last Thursday of abuse of power, automatically ousting him.

On NBC's "Today" show Tuesday, the former governor said he was the victim of "an unlawful and improper impeachment." He says legislators "did a disservice to the people of Illinois."

Blagojevich still faces federal corruption charges including allegations he tried to profit from selling President Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat. He has said repeatedly that he did nothing wrong.

Says Blagojevich, "I'll clear my name."

Blagojevich is also scheduled to appear Tuesday on CNN's "Larry King Live," Fox's "On the Record with Greta Van Susteren" and Letterman's show.

"It's important for him to be able to send the message that he didn't do these things and ... that he didn't let the public down," said his publicist, Glenn Selig.

Blagojevich still faces federal corruption charges including allegations he tried to profit from President Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Senate seat. He has said repeatedly that he did nothing wrong.

Video   What’s next for Blagojevich? Feb. 3: TODAY’s Natalie Morales takes a look back at how former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich lost his job — he was impeached last week — and looks ahead at what’s next for him. Today show

Selig acknowledged that he's concerned Blagojevich could be the butt of jokes, particularly during the scheduled interview with Letterman.

Blagojevich will not discuss details of the federal government's criminal allegations during any of his appearances, he said.

Blagojevich went on a media blitz last week, even boycotting part of his impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate to appear on ABC's "The View" and "Good Morning, America."

Since being booted from office, Blagojevich has spent time with his wife and two daughters at their Chicago home. Selig declined to give details on what Blagojevich has planned for the future or if he has any job offers.

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