CBNNews.com - Gov. Rod Blagojevich fired back at Illinois House members Friday, just hours after they voted to impeach him by an overwhelming margin.

In a 114-1 vote, state House members found evidence that the two-term Democrat had abused his power, including improperly spending tax money and violating state hiring laws. Blagojevich is now one step away from being thrown out of office.

House majority leader said the governor had "forfeited his right to hold office."

Click play for more on the impeachment fallout from CBN News Sr. National Correspondent David Brody.

In a Chicago news conference held shortly after the vote, Blagojevich continued to deny any wrongdoing and accused House members of having an axe to grind against him.

Blagojevich blamed the impeachment as payback over his efforts to improve health care and cut property taxes for Illinois residents.

"The House's action today was of course not a surprise. In fact, it was a foregone conclusion," he told reporters. He did not address any of the charges against him.

Blagojevich was arrested one month ago on federal charges. Among other things, he's accused of trying to sell off President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.

The governor maintians that he will be exonerated. He will now face a trial in the Senate. If convicted there, he will be removed from office.