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| Closing Arguements in Blagojevich Trial |
(IRN)-The federal government finished its closing arguments in the federal corruption trial of Rod Blagojevich by playing an often noted clip of the former governor.
"For nothing? F*** him," Blagojevich says in the clip, referring to then President-elect Barack Obama. He was talking about how Obama would be "appreciative" if Blagojevich appointed Valerie Jarrett to the Senate seat.
The prosecution pointed out at one point that testimony from six witnesses who testified on the toll-way shakedown contradicted statements from Blagojevich.
"Who has the motive to lie?" asked Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Hamilton. "The defendant does."
Defense attorney Aaron Goldstein went right after that claim as the defense began to close. He questioned the motives of government witnesses, saying they were "fighting for their freedom….because (the government) owns it."
Throughout the government's close, they compared Blagojevich to a cop tearing up a traffic ticket in exchange for a bribe. Goldstein attacked that comparison. "Not ever does a police officer have a right to ask for cash from anyone," said Goldstein. "A politician has a right to ask for campaign contributions."
At one point, as he pounded a desk, Goldstein said, "They want a rubber stamp…stamp it guilty…do what we say."
Friday is set to be the first full day of jury deliberations.
Former Governor Blagojevich hasn't addressed the media since before taking the stand two weeks ago. He has, however, gone out of his way to shake hands and take pictures with fans outside of the federal courthouse in Chicago.
(Source: Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 06 09 11 by Newsroom |
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