CHICAGO — President-elect Barack Obama said today he didn't discuss his vacant Senate seat with disgraced Gov. Rod Blagojevich and said he's confident nobody on his staff did either.

Calling bluntly for the Illinois Democrat to resign, Obama told a news conference: "I was as appalled and disappointed as anyone."

Blagojevich was arrested this week in connection with an alleged corruption scheme, dealing in large part with deal making schemes regarding the Senate vacancy.

"I have never spoken to the governor on this subject. I'm confident that no representatives of mine would have any part of any deals related to this seat," Obama said at a news conference called to announce new appointments to his coming administration. "I think the materials released by the U.S. attorney reflect that fact," he added.

Obama did say: "I've asked my team to gather the facts of any contacts with the governor's office about this vacancy so that we can share them with you over the next few days."

Obama said he thought the "public trust has been violated" and also said he didn't think that Blagojevich "at this point can effectively serve" the state.

He also said he wants to make sure the process for choosing his successor isn't tainted.

Obama said that neither he nor his staff has been contacted by federal officials in connection with the probe.

Asked if he or anyone on his transition staff has been contacted by federal authorities in connection with the case, Obama replied: "I have not been contacted by any federal officials and we have not been interviewed by them, as is reflected in the U.S. attorneys report."