SPRINGFIELD -- Reports that Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been secretly taped by federal investigators added new fuel Friday to calls for the Chicago Democrat to step down or be impeached. | Blagojevich: 'Not done anything wrong'

A handful of state lawmakers said the Illinois House should be prepared to hold hearings regarding the second-term governor's impeachment when the General Assembly returns to action in January.

''The governor has no credibility in Springfield. He can't lead,'' said state Rep. Bill Mitchell, a Forsyth Republican.

The Chicago Tribune reported Friday that Blagojevich has been secretly recorded by federal authorities investigating corruption.

The newspaper also reported that a top Blagojevich fundraiser, lobbyist John Wyma, is cooperating in the politically charged probe.

The governor has not been charged with any crime, but the investigation has driven down his poll ratings and, according to lawmakers and analysts, seriously damaged his ability to govern.

''I don't know that it can get any more difficult than it has been,'' said state Rep. Mike Bost, R-Murphysboro.

''This cripples the governor legislatively,'' added state Sen. Mike Jacobs, D-East Moline.

Political scientist Kent Redfield of the University of Illinois-Springfield predicted more tough times ahead for the governor when it comes to getting things done in Springfield.

''Governors need credibility,'' Redfield said. ''They need to be able to do things for people.''

State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said the investigation is a major distraction at a time when the state is facing a major budget crisis.

''Certainly the more the scrutiny goes on, the more difficult things will get,'' Brady said.

Jacobs, who is considering a run for governor in 2010, earlier called on Blagojevich to resign because of the ongoing federal probe.

''Today, I renew that call. I think the end is near. John Wyma is as close to Rod Blagojevich as a brother. For him to wear a wire on the governor, that's really got to cut deep on the governor,'' Jacobs said.

Talk of impeaching the governor has been floating in the Statehouse for over a year. In June, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, issued a memo to help Democratic legislative candidates discuss the issue on the campaign trail.

A Madigan spokesman Friday declined comment.

In an impeachment process, the House serves as a type of grand jury, deciding whether to impeach the governor or not. It is up to the Senate, however, to decide whether to remove him from office.

Mitchell said a committee that could look into the question of impeachment could be formed now so that it is ready to go when lawmakers return in mid-January.

Some lawmakers said the reports are not surprising, but that it's premature to begin talking about impeachment.

''There is still a lot we don't know,'' said state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion.

However, Flider said it the revelations are correct, the governor needs to begin preparing to leave office.

''He really should be thinking about stepping aside,'' Flider said.

Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero said Friday the governor is not thinking about stepping down, nor is he worried about an impeachment process getting underway.

''The Governor has not done anything wrong, improper or illegal,'' Guerrero said in a statement.

Bost said the latest news about the investigation of Blagojevich shouldn't surprise people.

''If they're surprised, then they must be like an ostrich,'' Bost said.

State Rep. Chapin Rose, R-Mahomet, agreed.

''I made up my mind about the buy a long time ago… not in a favorable way either,'' Rose said.

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