Obama Wants Illinois Governor's Head (AFP, FRANCE)

US President-elect Barack Obama has called on Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to resign over a damning array of corruption allegations. Blagojevich reportedly tried to sell Obama's vacant Senate seat.

Despite Republican demands for further explanation, observers said Mr Obama was insulated from the affair after long keeping his distance from the controversial Gov Blagojevich.

Robert Gibbs, Mr Obama's incoming White House press secretary, said his boss believed Gov Blagojevich should now step down after prosecutors yesterday alleged "a political corruption crime spree" by the governor.

"The president-elect agrees with Lieutenant Governor (Pat) Quinn and many others that under the current circumstances it is difficult for the governor to effectively do his job and serve the people of Illinois," Mr Gibbs said.

Mr Obama said yesterday he had had "no contact" with Gov Blagojevich over the fate of his vacated Senate seat for Illinois, after prosecutors accused the governor of trying to sell the seat or extract an appointment for himself.

But while saying he was "saddened" by the affair, the president-elect had refused to comment further.

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