Speaking briefly to the press pool this afternoon at his Transition headquarters in Chicago, President-elect Obama said he had "no contact" with Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich regarding filling his vacant Senate seat.

"I had no contact with the governor or his office, and so I was not aware of what was happening," Obama said. "And as I said it is a sad day for Illinois. Beyond that I don't think it's appropriate to comment."

Obama initially declined to comment on the situation, saying: "Like the rest of the people of Illinois I am saddened and sobered by the news that came out of the U.S.. Attorneys office today. But as this is an ongoing investigation involving the governor, I don't think it would be appropriate for me to comment on the issue at this time."

Seated with Obama was Vice President-elect Joe Biden and former Vice President Al Gore, who was in town to discuss energy and the environment with Obama.

"The purpose of this meeting today was to listen and learn from Vice President Al Gore on the extraordinary work that he has done around the issue of climate change," Obama said. "All three of us are in aggreement that the time for delay is over. The time for denial is over. We all believe what the scientists have been telling us for years now, that this is a matter of urgency and national security, and it has to be dealt with in a serious way. That is what I intend my administration to do."

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