Court rejects Madigan's case against governor

Round 1 to Gov. Blagojevich.

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled Wednesday it will not hear Attorney General Lisa Madigan's case to declare Blagojevich unfit to hold office.

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The Illinois Supreme Court won't hear a challenge filed by Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office questioning Gov. Rod Blagojevich's fitness to hold office. Blagojevich's lawyer is asking for members of a House impeachment panel to be removed as well.
(AP)

In an unprecedented move last week, Madigan had argued that Blagojevich's arrest on criminal charges and other troubles amounted to a disability that would allow the high court to remove the governor from office.

But the court, without comment, opted against taking the case.

Madigan's office indicated she has no plans to pursue the matter any further.

"I am disappointed in the Illinois Supreme Court's decision," Madigan said in a statement. "The serious criminal charges against Governor Blagojevich strike directly at the heart of his decision-making process and seriously impede his ability to legitimately exercise the powers of his office."

Blagojevich is expected to soon make his first public comments responding to allegations he put President-elect Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat up for sale. The Illinois Legislature has begun to move to impeach him.