It appears former Gov. Rod Blagojevich could be taking the stand in his own defense as early as this morning in his retrial on public corruption charges.
The defense began calling witnesses yesterday, a little more than a month into the trial since jury selection, which began April 20. Blagojevich is facing 20 charges, including trying to sell Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat and linking state action to campaign contributions.
Spectators began lining up outside the Dirksen Federal Building at about 5 a.m. Wednesday morning for the chance to snag one of less than 20 available public viewing passes. After the prosecution wrapped up its case May 19, lead defense lawyer Sheldon Sorosky said he intended to call prominent witnesses. The chance to see those witnesses – U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel – and possibly Blagojevich take the stand attracted a larger crowd than in the past several weeks.
Both Jackson and Emanuel testified Wednesday, with the new mayor answering just a few questions before being dismissed as a witness after less than five minutes – just long enough to say Blagojevich never asked him for financial favors.
Jackson’s half hour of testimony ended with him recounting a conversation in which the governor noted not getting a campaign contribution from the congressman.
Under cross-examination from prosecutors, Jackson said in 2002 he was asked by then-Congressman Bill Lipinski to donate $25,000 to Blagojevich’s gubernatorial campaign fund. Jackson said he did not make the contribution.
After Blagojevich was elected governor, Jackson said he sought a position for his wife Sandi and was told she was being considered as director of the Illinois Lottery.
Months later, after she didn’t get the position, Jackson attended a meeting with the former governor and other members of the Illinois congressional delegation. According to Jackson, Blagojevich told him, “‘Sorry that thing with Sandi didn’t work out.’” Jackson said he replied, “Let me know if something else comes available.”
Then as he walked out of the room, Jackson said the governor, in Elvis Presley fashion, snapped his fingers and said, “‘You should have given me that $25,000.’”
In redirect, the defense asked him what he meant by, “In Elvis Presley fashion.” Jackson snapped his fingers and said, “Thank you very much.” Spectators laughed.
Emanuel and Jackson were the only two witnesses the jury heard before being dismissed for the day. Lawyers for both sides then met with the judge to review transcripts of recorded telephone conversations secretly taped by the FBI that the defense would like to use. Earlier in the trial, U.S. District Judge James Zagel said the defense is not allowed to introduce any more tapes unless Blagojevich takes the stand.
