Blagojevich goes to Disney World

As a federal grand jury in Chicago finalized an indictment alleging his political career as a corrupt enterprise Thursday, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich apparently was vacationing at Walt Disney World in Florida.

Blagojevich's publicist wouldn't comment on where the ex-governor was Thursday, but did confirm he was not in Chicago.

"The governor is not in Chicago nor is he at home," said Glenn Selig. "We are not saying where he is."

Blagojevich didn't have to be in court for the indictment, which was released just before 5 p.m. He will next have to appear in federal court when an arraignment is scheduled.

Selig wouldn't confirm Blagojevich was in Disney World, but several tourists sent Chicago media outlets pictures of the governor at the theme park. Additionally, an operator at the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa confirmed a room was booked under Blagojevich's name. A message left at the room's voice mail was not returned.

The $300-a-night hotel is billed as an "equestrian-themed Victorian-style villa resort."

While the governor hid from the media for weeks after his December arrest, he followed that up with a series of national TV interviews more recently and even hosted a two-hour AM radio program in Chicago.

Selig said the governor had no plans to comment about the indictment.

It was not the first time Blagojevich has left town during a critical point in the federal investigation into his administration. The 52-year-old Chicagoan went to New York for several days when the Illinois Senate was working to oust him from office.

Daily Herald news services contributed to this report.