SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) — In an ironic, surreal scene, impeached Gov. Rod Blagojevich will preside briefly over the chamber that holds his political future in its hands.

Today, Blagojevich was to swear in the Illinois Senate, which will decide in a matter of weeks whether to throw the two-term Democrat out of office. The opening of a new legislative session is normally an upbeat occasion, but how the senators and the governor will respond this time is anyone’s guess.

“On one hand, it’s a time of great celebration here in the Senate of a new beginning and new leadership,” said Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg, an Evanston Democrat. “On the other hand, there will be no denying the fact that the governor’s participation in the proceedings will give it a character and flavor that many members would just as soon not experience.”

Blagojevich was impeached by the House on Friday. The Senate’s trial is scheduled to start Jan. 26.