Springfield, Ill. ? Illinois lawmakers have not only thrown out Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, they have barred him from ever holding public office in the state again.

Both votes were 59-0.

Blagojevich’s removal comes nearly two months after his arrest on charges of trying to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat. He is the first U.S. governor in more than 20 years to be removed by impeachment.

Earlier in the day, Blagojevich came to the Senate to make a last-minute plea to save his job, warning lawmakers that they were about to set a “dangerous” and “chilling” precedent.

Pat Quinn was sworn in as Illinois’ new governor.

Quinn took the oath of office moments after the state Senate voted to remove Blagojevich.

Quinn had served for two terms under Blagojevich, but the two had little in common. In fact, Quinn has said the men have not spoken in more than a year, and Blagojevich said last year that Quinn was not even part of his administration.

Quinn is a 60-year-old former state treasurer and tax attorney. He is best known for his efforts to cut big government and protect the little guy. One of the most pressing issues for him is the state’s deficit of more than $3 billion.