SPRINGFIELD (LEE) -- Illinois Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn called on his former running mate to "step aside" Tuesday, saying he’s ready to serve as governor if needed.

"You have to be prepared at any moment to be governor," Quinn told reporters in Chicago.

Quinn’s comments came as Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested on corruption charges early Tuesday morning.

You have to prepare yourself, and I think I’m well prepared," he added.

Quinn said the state constitution allowed for Blagojevich to "step aside" while he deals with his personal legal issues without necessarily resigning his post as governor.

In the event Blagojevich left his post, Quinn would take over as governor of Illinois.

"The governor knows what he needs to do on behalf on the people," Quinn said.

Quinn, a former state treasurer, ran as Blagojevich’s running mate in both the 2002 and 2006 elections. Over the past two years, though, Quinn has criticized his political partner over several of his policy ideas.

In the meantime, a chorus of other Illinois officials – some of them possible candidates for governor in 2010 – was issuing strong statements calling on Blagojevich to resign.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan, a fellow Democrat, said the governor should resign immediately, paving the way for Quinn to take over.

"Today, our worst fears have been realized," Madigan said in a statement. "Once again, the people of Illinois have learned that a Governor has engaged in a shockingly flagrant scheme to sell his power and authority to the highest bidder."

Another Democrat, Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias: "Governor Blagojevich’s actions alleged in the complaint show a complete disregard for Illinois residents who elected him to lead."

Democratic Comptroller Dan Hynes: "This is perhaps the most embarrassing moment in the history of Illinois government, and a stain that will not be easily removed."

Republicans joined in as well, with a slew of state lawmakers calling for Blagojevich to step down. House Minority Leader Tom Cross of Oswego sent the governor a letter to that effect early this morning.