Blagojevich's general counsel resigns

CHICAGO, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Attorney William J. Quinlan, general counsel to Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for the last four years, said he was resigning to return to private practice.

"We should not let recent events diminish the pride in our accomplishments or the commitment to public service with which we approach our job each day," Quinlan wrote in a letter to his co-workers.

He resigned Tuesday, the Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday. His resignation comes three weeks after Blagojevich was arrested on federal corruption accusations, including a claim that he tried to peddle the vacant U.S. Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder.

Quinlan is the latest high-level official to leave Blagojevich's administration, the Tribune said. John Harris, the governor's co-defendant, resigned as chief of staff. Also handing in resignations were Deputy Gov. Bob Greenlee and Jeff Daily, executive director of the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.