As we start to celebrate the new year, we are also looking back on 2009. We asked our viewers earlier this month to vote on the big stories of the year.

2009 started out with a trial in the state many thought deserved the top story of the year, it came in second with our viewers.

Tom McIntyre reported on the ouster of Rod Blagojevich as governor of Illinois on January 29th.

It was no secret that Rod Blagojevich was going to be convicted of abusing his power as Governor. Blagojevich predicted it---even though he made the trip to Springfield to plead his case.

"How can you throw a Governor out of office, who is here clambering and pleading with you to give him a chance"
"The voting is now open..."

The answer to "how do you throw a Governor out of office"...is...by a unanimous vote. 59 votes to remove the Governor. None for his retention.

"We didn't go into this lightly.This is what the constitution calls for us to do when we're sent articles of impeachment. The Senate did their job," said State Sen. Dave Koehler, Democrat from Peoria.

"I see this Governor as having harmed communities. Economically harmed a lot of communities. He's harmed families," said State Sen. Dan Rutherford, Republican from Chenoa.

"This guy is gone. What do you want to see from Governor Pat Quinn?"

"I want to see an aggressive that pushes forward like no other...to eliminate corruption. I want to see him say to the people, I will not raise taxes in Illinois," said Bloomington Republican State Sen. Bill Brady.

"I may not agree with Pat Quinn, but you can talk to him and take what he says at his word. That's worth something to the people of Illinois," said State Sen. Dale Risinger, Republican from Peoria.

Pat Quinn was sworn in as Illinois' 41st Governor by Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke shortly after. If the ouster of Blagojevich had been somber -Quinn's swearing- in was boisterous.

"It's our job to ask the people of Illinois to make the sacrifices needed as we face the serious challenges before us," said Gov. Quinn.

Rod Blagojevich ---who met reporters outside his Chicago home -- said he'll continue to fight to clear his name. "I guess I'll just have to wait for my day in court. I just want to say God Bless You to the people of Illinois and 'thank you' for letting me serve you."

Pat Quinn meanwhile, now has the task of dealing with the state's damaged reputation and the three billion dollar hole in this year's budget. He said he's looking to re-open parks and historic sites and review the closure of Pontiac prison.