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by Kevin Wayne

Chicago, IL — Impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich enters the State Capital for first time since his arrest in December. The imbattled Governor will swear in the Illinois Senate, the same body that will decide his political future, today at noon. 

New House members to be sworn in Wednesday include Deborah Mell, D-Chicago, the governor's sister-in-law who, like Blagojevich's wife's sister, is a daughter to Chicago Democratic 33rd Ward Alderman Richard Mell.

Deborah Mell, a lesbian and advocate of gay rights, was once arrested at a protest for gay marriage. She and the governor have publicly disagreed on gay marriage. Mell ran unopposed in November, paving the way for her to become the first out lesbian in the Illinois General Assembly. 

Ironically the newly elected Mell may soon be asked to vote on Blagojevich's impeachment.

The Articles of Impeachment accuse Blagojevich of abusing the powers of his office on matters including federal corruption charges and awarding state contracts and jobs in exchange for political contributions. The Senate's impeachment trial of Blagojevich is scheduled to start Jan. 26.

If Blagojevich is removed from office, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn will become governor.

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