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| Defense's Turn Monday in Blagojevich Trial |
(IRN)-On Monday the defense in the retrial of former Governor Rod Blagojevich will have its shot at questioning the prosecution's star witness, John Harris, a former chief of staff to Blagojevich.
Early Thursday afternoon the prosecution finished questioning Harris, who is cooperating with the government under a plea deal. Prosecutors have been focusing on a scheme to trade a vacant U.S. Senate Seat for a job or campaign contributions for Blagojevich. Prosecutors played FBI wiretaps that show Blagojevich had a change of heart about U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Chicago). Once on good terms, the two became enemies after Jackson didn't back Blagojevich as he said he would in the 2002 race for governor. But as the former governor was allegedly shopping around the Senate seat, Jackson became a possible appointee.
"I'm honestly going to objectively look at the value of putting Jesse Jr. there," Blagojevich is heard telling Harris on the secret recording. "As ridiculous as it is and as painful as it is …I'm going to think about it."
Later in the recording Blagojevich took into account an alleged offer for fundraising. "Well he's come to me through third parties, you know, with offers of campaign contributions and help … $1.5 million … they're throwing numbers around."
Harris is heard telling Blagojevich that money shouldn't be the determining factor. Congressman Jackson has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
Cross examination of Harris was expected to begin Thursday afternoon, but Blagojevich defense attorney Aaron Goldstein, who had been looking pale all day, went home sick. Judge James Zagel agreed to allow cross examination to begin Monday. There is no court today (Friday).
(Source: Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 05 06 11 by Newsroom |
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