Cost of governor's trip? At least he didn't take state plane

If taxpayers are on the hook for any of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's New York City media blitz Monday, it at least won't be for his transportation.

Paris Irvin, spokeswoman for the Illinois Department of Transportation, said the governor did not take the state plane to New York, where he appeared on such shows as "The View" and "Good Morning America," nor did the state make any transportation accommodations for him.

Irvin said the state plane was available to shuttle Senators, state employees and officials to Springfield for the governor's impeachment trial.

It was unclear whether any other arrangements were made or would be made to pay for meals and lodging for Blagojevich or the staff that traveled with him.

It is common for television shows to make travel accommodations for their guests, but the governor's office did not return calls seeking an explanation.