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Blagojevich Trial a Guessing Game
(IRN)-Ousted Governor Rod Blagojevich's attorneys set off a guessing game when they said they will call prominent people to testify in the former governor's corruption retrial.

Trial watchers are wondering who will be called to the witness stand: Blagojevich himself? Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel? White House adviser Valerie Jarrett? U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Chicago)?

Dozens received subpoenas before the governor's first trial last year. There are pros and cons in calling each of the high-profile witnesses. But, the big question everyone wants answers to is, if Blagojevich himself will testify. Steven Beckett, professor of law at the University of Illinois, believes Blagojevich's attorneys must put on a defense and to put on a good faith defense a political insider must testify or the defendant should testify.

"The second way he can do it is to testify and convince the jury that he really did believe it. He really did believe himself. He really did believe he was doing political horse trading and not trying to line his own pockets," Beckett said.

Over the weekend, Judge James Zagel granted the prosecution a couple of days for the defense to prepare. The trial resumes on Wednesday.

The former governor, who denies all wrongdoing, faces 20 charges, including trying to sell or trade a U.S. Senate seat for campaign cash or a high-profile job.

(Source: Illinois Radio Network)
05 23 11 by Newsroom
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