Illinois High Court Rejects Challenge to Remove Blagojevich

The Illinois Supreme Court has refused to hear a challenge to Gov. Rod Blagojevich's fitness to hold office.

A spokesman said Wednesday that the court rejected the challenge without comment.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan had argued Blagojevich's legal and political troubles are keeping him from performing his duties.

She had argued they amount to a disability, so Blagojevich should have his authority removed temporarily.

She expressed disappointment over the court's decision.

"Because of Gov. Blagojevich's refusal to resign, the state of Illinois is in an unsustainable situation," she said in a statement, adding that the charges against Blagojevich "strike directly at the heart of his decision-making process and seriously impede his ability to legitimately exercise the powers of his office."

Madigan said she hopes the state General Assembly, which started impeachment proceedings against Blagojevich this week, moves fast.

"It is imperative that we begin to restore the people's confidence in their government," she said.