Top Illinois lawmakers said Tuesday that they are preparing to call the Legislature into session as early as next week to set a special election, hoping to avert the possibility of their embattled governor picking the state’s next U.S. senator.

House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, said he is ready to convene the House on Monday to vote on a special election that would choose the successor to President-elect Barack Obama.

The move follows the arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was taken into custody early Tuesday and accused of seeking money or other favors to influence his choice in picking Obama’s replacement.

“Today’s events are shocking and disappointing. It represents a new low for conduct by public officials,” Madigan said in a statement.

Illinois Senate President Emil Jones said he would also call senators back for a special session in the corruption-plagued state.

The governor, who faces fraud and bribery counts, was freed on $4,500 bail. U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., urged the state House and Senate to settle on a special election that could withstand a Blagojevich veto.