Blagojevich to skip Obama inauguration

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has decided against attending Barack Obama's inauguration, acknowledging he would be a distraction because of the impeachment and criminal charges against him.

Blagojevich spokesman Lucio Guerrero said the governor was invited to several inaugural events, but won't make the trip.

Guerrero says one invitation came from the Democratic Governor's Association before Blagojevich's Dec. 9 arrest. As far as the governor's office knows, the offer hasn't been rescinded.

Federal authorities have accused Blagojevich with trying to sell Obama's former U.S. Senate seat to benefit himself and his family.

The Illinois House has impeached Blagojevich in connection with the federal charges and other offenses. He is scheduled for trial in the state Senate later this month.