SPRINGFIELD - Despite impeachment proceedings underway against him, Gov. Rod Blagojevich plans to be in the Capitol next week to preside over the Illinois Senate.

As part of his duties as chief executive, the Chicago Democrat will oversee the Jan. 14 swearing-in ceremony for the same senators who may later hold a trial to remove him from office.

"I think its going to be an embarrassing moment for the Democrats," said state Sen. Bill Brady, a Bloomington Republican who aspires to be governor.

State Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline, said members of the Senate likely will treat Blagojevich with respect.

"I don't think we'll see any catcalls on the Senate side," Jacobs said.

Since his Dec. 9 arrest on federal corruption charges, Blagojevich has continued to go to work at his Chicago office. He has signed legislation, caused a firestorm by appointing Roland Burris to the U.S. Senate, and reviewed clemency cases on his desk.

But, he hasn't been to the Statehouse, where lawmakers have been engaged in impeachment hearings since mid-December.

In past years, Blagojevich has entered the Democrat-controlled Senate for the swearing-in ceremony to cheers, backslapping and handshakes.

Whether that happens again seems unlikely.

"The reception the governor gets that day will be something along the line of today's temperatures," said state Rep. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon. "It is going to be very cool."

Added Brady, "I won't boo him, but it will be an uncomfortable moment."