Blagojevich presides over Senate that will try him

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich has told state senators who'll decide whether to oust him from office he hopes they'll "find the truth and sort things out."

Blagojevich made the comment while presiding over a tense swearing-in ceremony Wednesday for the new Senate.

Before handing the proceedings over to the new senate president, Blagojevich asked senators to be inspired by President Abraham Lincoln's comments encouraging "malice toward none, with charity for all."

He then quickly left the chamber, telling reporters it felt good to be back in the state Capitol.

It was Blagojevich's first appearance in Springfield since his Dec. 9 arrest on federal corruption charges. He was impeached by the state House this last week and faces trial in the Senate to determine whether he'll be removed.