With jury selection in his racketeering and fraud trial on the verge of being wrapped up, Rod Blagojevich departed Dirksen Federal Courthouse Monday to a woman screaming, “African Americans love Governor Blagojevich.”
On Tuesday, the games begin. Beginning at 10 a.m. the defense and prosecution will get to challenge jurors. Judge James Zagel scheduled opening arguments for 11 a.m.. A total of 90 potential jurors had been interviewed when Zagel adjourned the court on Monday, about 45 minutes earlier than normal.
Before the “all rise” Monday, Assistant U.S. attorney Reid Schar, the lead prosecutor in the case, told the court that the prosecution had observed some statements the defense had made to the media that seemed to suggest the possibility they would raise issues in their opening statement that would go against the judge’s orders.
Blagojevich attorney Sam Adam Jr. lived up to his reputation of vociferousness when he asked the judge to allow two-and-a-half hours for his opening statement. Zagel said he would “reluctantly” grant him an hour and 45 minutes. The prosecution, which requested an hour for its opening statement, will go first. Michael Ettinger, the attorney for Blagojevich’s brother and co-defendant Rob, will get 45 minutes for his opening argument.
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