SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich's efforts to move more than 100 state jobs to Harrisburg may take a detour through the legal system.

On Friday, Springfield-area lawmakers and local officials opposed to the move met to discuss the filing of a lawsuit aimed at blocking the controversial move.

"We're still looking at our legal options," said state Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, following an hour-long meeting at the Springfield Chamber of Commerce.

The threatened legal action comes after Blagojevich again said he would go through with the move de ;spite a legislative panel's unanimous rejection of the transfer of the jobs from Springfield to Southern Illinois.

The vote by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability is not binding on the governor, but the procedure used by officials to close state offices has never been challenged legally.

In outlining his plan to move the Illinois Department of Transportation's Traffic Safety Division to Harrisburg, Blagojevich said it would save money on an expensive lease, while helping boost the economy of a job-starved region.

The governor said Wednesday that workers who don't want to move to Harrisburg can get similar jobs in Springfield.

Blagojevich also shrugged off the possibility of a lawsuit.

"I get sued every day, you know? The odds are good, wouldn't you say?" he said.

Springfield officials oppose the move, arguing there is plenty of available office space to keep the division in the capital city.

In Friday's meeting, which was attended by Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin and representatives of labor unions, the discussion focused on the legality of DOT using motor fuel taxes to buy the Harrisburg building where the offices would be located.

Bomke said officials also are looking at whether the governor can move forward on buying the building without the approval of the Illinois Attorney General's Office.

If a decision is made to file a lawsuit, legal costs would be shared by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and Springfield business groups.

"There is a lot of work we have to do before we file something," said state Rep. Rich Brauer, R-Petersburg.

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865