Ill. governor arrives home after pleading case

CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has arrived home in Chicago after pleading his case before senators in Springfield who are deciding whether to remove him from office.

He spoke to reporters Thursday while standing on the porch of his North Side home. He said he told Senators the truth and that there are "higher principals" involved in his impeachment ordeal, including the right of the people to choose their governor.

The two-term Democrat was still dressed in the suit and tie he'd worn for his Senate appearance but said he was about to go for a run.

His wife, Patti Blagojevich, arrived home about 15 minutes before he did. She did not speak to reporters.

Senators are expected to vote within hours on whether to convict and remove Blagojevich from office.