At his morning press conference in Chicago introducing former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as the next Health and Human Services Secretary, President-elect Obama addressed the controversy over Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's handling of filling the Senate vacancy.

Obama, speaking from prepared remarks:

"I was as appalled and disappointed as anybody by the revelations earlier this week. I have never spoken to the governor on this subject. I am confident that no representatives of mine would have any part of any deals related to this seat. I think the materials released by the U.S. Attorney reflect that fact. I've asked my team to gather the facts of any contacts with the governor's office about this vacancy so that we can share them with you over the next few days. Finally, on this matter, let me say that this Senate seat does not belong to any politician to trade; it belongs to the people of Illinois. They deserve the best possible representation. They also deserve to know that any vacancy will be filled in an appropriate way so that whoever is sent to Washington is going to be fighting for the people of Illinois. I hope and expect that the leaders of the Legislature will take these steps to ensure that this is so."

Asked why he didn't echo in his opening remarks the statement made yesterday by incoming White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, who said Obama thinks Blagojevich needs to resign, Obama said:

"Let me be absolutely clear: I do not think that the governor at this point can effectively serve the people of Illinois. The Legislature is going down to Springfield to make a determination as to how to resolve this issue. I think they're going to come to the same conclusion. I hope that the governor himself comes to the conclusion that he can no longer effectively serve, and that he does resign."

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