The court spokesman announced the decision not to hear a challenge to Governor Blagojevich's fitness to hold office without giving further reasons.

It was a blow to the state attorney general, Lisa Madigan, who believed that the governor was incapable of running his office due to his legal and political troubles.

Blagojevich, who is currently in his second term, was arrested last week by Federal Bureau of Investigation operatives on federal fraud and bribery charges, including an alleged attempt to profit by naming a replacement for the US Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

He was released on bail and returned to his work despite pressure by state lawmakers and Obama's calls for his resignation.

The governor broke silence earlier yesterday, telling reporters that he "can't wait to begin to tell his side of the story."

"There's a time and place for everything," he said. "That day will soon be here, and you might know more about that today, maybe no later than tomorrow."

House Speaker Michael Madigan said earlier this week that he had established a committee to recommend whether the governor should be removed for his involvement in corruption cases, and to allow the full floor to decide whether to file impeachment charges against the governor based on the recommendation.