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Reaction to FBI Tapes Played at Blago Impeachment Trial
Whether the playing of the tapes in the governor's impeachment trial was a "smoking gun" is up to the senators who will sit in judgment. Each of the 59 senators has his or her own standard of what's enough to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office.

Senators heard wiretap conversations used to connect the governor to allegations he traded official acts for campaign cash. Sen. John Millner (R-Carol Stream) said the tapes were extremely helpful, while Sen Mike Jacobs (D-East Moline) says he's hard pressed to say the conversations show more than simple politics as usual. Sen. Dan Cronin (R-Elmhurst) says the tapes sounded like something out of a mob movie.

Before the trial adjourned for the day Tuesday, State Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Mahomet), a member of the House committee which investigated the possible impeachment, discussed alleged arrangements between the governor and friends Ali Ata, Joe Cari, and Tony Rezko, including the alleged purchase of Ata's job as head of the Illinois Finance Authority. Senators will question Rose when the trial resumes Wednesday.

To watch or listen to the impeachment hearings on your computer, CLICK HERE (link opens in a new window).

To download or listen to transcripts of the FBI tapes played at the trial, CLICK HERE (link opens in a new window).

(Illinois Radio Network)
01 28 09 by Newsroom
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