Obama says Illinois governor should resign

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (L), U.S. Senator and presidential hopeful Barack Obama and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley smile during a rally in Chicago in this April 16, 2007 file photo. Blagojevich, was arrested on December 9, 2008 on ''staggering'' corruption charges that alleged he tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by fellow Democrat, President-elect Barack Obama.

CHICAGO (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama said on Thursday he was appalled by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's efforts to sell his U.S. Senate seat and added that Blagojevich could no longer effectively perform his duties.

"I think the public trust has been violated," Obama told a news conference. "Let me be absolutely clear. I do not think that the governor at this point can effectively serve the people of Illinois."

"I hope that the governor himself comes to the conclusion that he can no longer effectively serve and that he does resign," Obama said.