Blagojevich to Speak to 'GMA,' 'The View'

Appearances to coincide with start of impeachment trial, which he won't attend.

ByABC News
January 23, 2009, 6:28 PM

Jan. 23, 2009 — -- Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will give his first national television appearances Monday live only on ABC News' "Good Morning America" and ABC's "The View."

His live appearances on Monday, Jan. 26, will occur on the same day his impeachment trial begins in his home state.

On "The View," he will be joined by his wife, Patricia.

Blagojevich said Friday he would boycott his impeachment trial to protest what he believes is an unfair process, because he says he has been restricted by impeachment rules from calling all the witnesses that he wants to, including Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and President Obama's chief of staff, Rahm Emanuel.

He is facing federal corruption charges for allegedly trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Obama.

Blagojevich since has successfully appointed former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to that post.

Blagojevich has denied any wrongdoing and repeatedly stated that he will be vindicated.