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* There will be no “Question of the Day” today because of the Senate Trial. I’ll be live-blogging because I caught a cold and I don’t feel up to dealing with the public. But please supplement my live-blogging in comments. The trial begins at noon today. You can listen or watch here. Others will carry the live feed, including WUIS radio.
Some things to chew on while we await the start of the trial…
* 11:59 am - The Senate is now escorting the Chief Justice into the chamber.
* 12:03 pm - Roll-call for attendance.
* 12:10 pm - The tape of the Don & Roma show is being admitted into evidence.
* The Sun-Times is live-blogging as well.
* 12:14 pm - Chief Justice: “Is the governor present? Is there anyone present on behalf of the governor?” No reply. CJ says let the record show that he’s not here.
* 12:17 pm - Minority Leader Radogno insisted that the trial would be fair.
* 12:18 pm - House Prosecutor David Ellis points out an error in the House impeachment record. Failed to include an auditor general report. Unanimous consent given to introduce.
* Ellis has also withdrawn a subpoena to FBI Special Agent Cain, who was the complaining witness in the federal case. No subpoena necessary since the G-Man will appear on his own.
* 12:27 pm - Ellis says that if the special agent is approved as a witness, then some House members who would’ve summarized House impeachment committee testimony would be withdrawn as witnesses.
* Cullerton this morning…
The president of the Illinois Senate says he’s disappointed that Governor Rod Blagojevich won’t defend himself against impeachment.
Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) said Monday morning in Chicago that the governor’s strategy is befuddling, but he said the governor shouldn’t now be objecting to the trial rules.
Cullerton explains how the rules were devised by a state Senate committee which met on three occasions, twice on the 16th floor of the Thompson Center in Chicago, about 140 feet from the governor’s office. “No one from the governor’s office came to weigh in as to how these rules should be drafted,” Cullerton said.
* 12:31 pm - Ellis is now speaking about the four federal wiretap excerpts that a federal judge ordered released last week. “With your leave, we will play those tapes.” Ellis says the tapes are about five minutes long.
* The federal judge’s admonishment of Ed Genson over the authenticity and legality of the surveillance tapes are also part of Ellis’ motion.
* 12:36 pm - Ellis’ wiretap recordings motion is here. His Don & Roma motion is here.
The master list of all motions is here.
* 12:40 PM - Another mention of the governor’s absence. The Senate Democrats and Republicans have requested a one-hour caucus to formulate questions (most likely to just approve questions already devised and debate a few more) for Prosecutor Ellis.
Recessed for an hour.
* 1:00 pm - Illinois Review is doing a good job of live-blogging.
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posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 11:37 am
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Previous Post: Miller: Genson not following Blagojevich off cliff
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“Context, get yer context here, can’t evaluate yer criminal evidence without yer context, like Rod says. CON-text….”
Comment by Gregor Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 11:45 am
Rich,
No pda’s etc. allowed in the gallery. I assume this doesn’t apply to the media, so that you’re able to live blog?
Comment by Downstater Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 11:46 am
—I assume this doesn’t apply to the media—
Read the media rules. Yes, we can live-blog from the Senate press box.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 11:50 am
Those rules are outdated, don’t you think, at least regarding PDA’s and texting, which are silent activities? In extreme cases, this would require a reporter to surrender their credentials and go outside to file updates. That’s ridiculous.
Comment by Swami Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 11:54 am
I’m appalled that they have to be told not to eat, surf the internet, play solitaire, etc. during an official hearing. Guess I’m just naive.
Comment by Lurker Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 11:56 am
Lurker, take a breath. Rules have to be established.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 11:57 am
===In extreme cases, this would require a reporter to surrender their credentials and go outside to file updates.===
Wrong. Read the media rules.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 11:58 am
Just had a prayer.
Comment by How Ironic Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 11:59 am
It appears that CNN is locking up. Senate Feed is live, but it’s the usual quality.
Comment by How Ironic Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:03 pm
Right, if they are in the upper back gallery
Comment by Swami Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:03 pm
Would you say there are a lot of no-shows or is this typical?
Comment by ahem Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:05 pm
Welcome back, Frank Watson.
Comment by Gregor Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:07 pm
Can’t get CNN or Tribune to come up
Comment by Anon Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:07 pm
From the rules…
===The use of computers in the press boxes is permitted. ===
Since I use my iPhone as a computer for blogging, I believe I can do so. Although, I’m not there because of this darned cold.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:07 pm
Apparently, Apple and the Open Source people didn’t pay to play because the streams are Borg only.
Comment by mcsey Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:08 pm
CBS2 Chicago has a live feed. However, for some reason the audio is rather muted (quiet). The senate feed has better audio, but crappy video.
Right now, they are reading into evidence the lack of response by the Gov.
Comment by How Ironic Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:10 pm
Press box, yes, back gallery where more TV people are, no. But why quibble, Bozo’s Circus is now on the air…
Now they are adding in the Don Wade and Roma stuff…
Comment by Gregor Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:11 pm
Will they be putting the exhibits up online like the House committee?
Specifically are the tapes the judge ordered to be released going to turn up soon?
Comment by Barnum and Blago Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:12 pm
Did the Gov think that all the stuff he says publicly would come back to bite him in the rear end?
Governor has failed to file. On the record.
Comment by Say WHAT? Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:12 pm
Proceeding are being aired live on Wbez 91.5 in Chicago
Comment by Alex Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:12 pm
David Ellis (prosecution) and his staff have just been escorted into the chamber
Comment by Mike Murray Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:13 pm
Let’s observe a bit of decorum here as well. Keep your little drive-by zingers to yourself and stick to the live-blogging please. Thanks.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:16 pm
NBC5’s stream is here with narration from Phil Rogers: http://www.nbcchicago.com/live/?aid=38239514&vid=30914249
Comment by wndycty Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:16 pm
Terry Sullivan, the legal analysis for WGN-TV, just agreed that he thought the rules were stacked against the governor. I’m not sure I have all of this right but he sited specifically the law? / constitution? that the Illinois supreme court has the final say over the rules. But there has never been a ruling by the supreme’s. Also sited the calling of witnesses. But he disagreed with the way the gov is handling this. He should be fighting this legally.
Interesting to see someone taking the governors side in at least this part of circus.
Comment by Been There Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:16 pm
Governor is not present, no one is present on behalf of the governonr. Blago’s plea was entered as not guilty earlier due to his absence. Staements regarding the seriousness, and fairness of the oath taken by the jury (senate). ‘will have justice’
Comment by Mike Murray Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:16 pm
who are the co prosecutors?
Comment by Amy Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:16 pm
Solemn, sober openings by Cullerton and Radogno. Quite a contrast to this morning’s freak show.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:17 pm
David Ellis is intorduced and makes his motion to correct the huse impeachment record
Comment by Mike Murray Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:18 pm
The FBI guy is being presented for admittance to set up public playback of the wiretaps the judge previously okayed.
Comment by Gregor Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:21 pm
who gave the opening prayer?
Comment by Down State Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:23 pm
On CLTV, by the way.
Comment by wordslinger Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:23 pm
I’m on the CNN feed with no problems whatsoever using my iMac.
Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:25 pm
Prosecutor makes motion to withdraw the subpoena to make Officer Cain testify because Cain will testify without it. Due to new testimony of Cain, Ellis also makes a motion for modification of witness list and documents list to comply with section 15 (since these motions are filed after the 21st) Finally, Ellis wants to introduce an audio tape from a radio interview Blago did on Friday. Ellis is now explaining the merit of each motion.
Comment by Mike Murray Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:26 pm
ABC 7 Chicago live video feed is very good and holding up well on my Mac.
Comment by 32nd Ward Roscoe Village Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:28 pm
It’s also on Comcast channel 217 - No commercials
Comment by glued Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:29 pm
Direct TV coverage ?
Comment by iMAGINE Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:31 pm
I suspect that the day before it appears the Senate will vote the Governor’s attorneys will announce they want to come in and defend him. The goal being to either delay the outcome or get the Senate to deny him. Ya no, more bluster.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:32 pm
Did he say the Don & Roma tapes are being submitted for profanity….not content?
Comment by glued Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:33 pm
Radio show being requested was Don and Roma Show!
Ellis assures the senate that Cain’s testimony is dependent upon the federal attorney. Cain will be used to authenticate the house article of impeachment. If Cain is allowed to testify, then the testimony of Sen. Mendoza, Durkin, and other legislators will not be needed to legitimate the house articles as evidence. Thus, the motion to change witnesses. The motion to change the filed documents is just to replace old documents with new one. Seems to be a shorter game plan then before
It appears as if Cain is being used to speed up the authentication of the house articles and thus he is speeding up the trial…but I don’t know that for sure.
Comment by Mike Murray Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:35 pm
glued, No Mr. Ellis said they are submitting tapes in which the Governor admitted he said what he said and apolgized for the profanity, but not the contect.
Comment by Say WHAT? Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:36 pm
glued, No Mr. Ellis said they are submitting tapes in which the Governor admitted he said what he said and apolgized for the profanity, but not the content.
Comment by Say WHAT? Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:36 pm
He said Rod apologized for the profanity in the tapes, not the content on the radio show
Comment by WCIL Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:37 pm
ahh, thanks…blonde moment
Comment by glued Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:38 pm
The main evidence of pay to play that is being used against the Gov appears to be the Horse Racing Impact Fee legislation. Specifically, Ellis will seek to introduce the 4 specific audio recordings of phone conversation’s of Blago that was given to them b the Federal Prosecutor. The tapes establish pay to play and are about 5 mins long. Ellis also introduces a letter from Rep. Currie which requests the use of the wiretaps in the trial.
Comment by Mike Murray Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:40 pm
in Chicago on Comcast 194, NBC, which is usually a weather channel.
Comment by Amy Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:40 pm
Cullerton asks for a caucus for one hour to discuss Prosecutor’s motions. Republican caucus does the same. Senate will recess for 1 hour until 1:40. (probably wanted lunch…lol)
Comment by Mike Murray Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:42 pm
Since Cullerton is in charge now, they should actually return on time
Comment by Secret Square Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:45 pm
WBEZ Chicago is providing live coverage on 91.5
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:46 pm
You gotta wonder if this is how the governor operated for the past six years. Instead of meaningful enagagement — and an attempt to work within the process — a loud, shrill, sandbox whine: “It’s not fair! It’s not fair!”
Comment by Macbeth Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:47 pm
Gee i would of thought the senate could have come up with some questions before today what have they been doing
Comment by Anon Again Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:58 pm
ABC News is still recording everything in the chamber, including someone having a cell phone conversation telling someone “thats the way its going to go”, talking about audio, remote box.
Comment by Say WHAT? Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:00 pm
===Gee i would of thought the senate could have come up with some questions before today what have they been doing===
They have. Just soliciting more and deciding which ones to use.
Try to relax and contain yourself please.
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:03 pm
I hope they slow this thing down - there’s at least 6 or 8 weeks of winter left. What will I do?
Comment by A Citizen Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:06 pm
===What will I do?===
Watch Quinn try to govern?
Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:06 pm
Sun Times live blog reports that Gov will appear on Geraldo shortly…
Comment by Anonymous Coward Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:07 pm
Okay, you’re right. That will be a refreshing change - and probably (hopefully) more productive as well.
Comment by A Citizen Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:08 pm
==Try to relax and contain yourself please.==
In psychological terms, “projection.”
It’s a big day, Rich. It’s ok to be excited!
I hope cell phone guy doesn’t give out too much confidential information on the live feed.
Comment by ahem Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:10 pm
IR just stated that the Guv is right and the fix is in. Fix? the Guv has done quite well all by his little lonesome, does’nt need the GA to ‘fix’ anything.
Comment by playk8 Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:10 pm
Rich,
Perhaps a good QOTD would be Cold Remedies that people use.
My response would be Jack Daniels, because even if it doesn’t get you over your cold, you don’t care!
Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:18 pm
Worked over night again and recently awoke to this nightmarish headline linked to TMZ on Rich’s feeds on the right:
“Oprah — I Got Dragged into Blago’s Sphere”
Let the record reflect that the TMZ turn of phrase has no basis in reality as it pertains to me.
Good Grief!
Rich, you should really check out this live blog system that the Philly Inky is using for the Fumo trial.
The program is called Cover It Live:
http://www.coveritlive.com/
And you can see the Inky’s Fumo Trial live here:
http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-breaking/
and kick the tires.
The messaging feature has shaped not just the trial coverage; but the trial itself.
Very Cool!
Blogging itself has also been a subject aaddressed as part of the trial, both with regard to the coverage, as well as with respect to a particular witness, who blew his plea deal and could not be called to testify for the prosecution due to his anonymous blog posts which run counter to his plea deal. I think the G-men are going to crush him when his turn comes around now.
Comment by Blago Sphere Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:22 pm
===- Anon Again - Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 12:58 pm:
Gee i would of thought the senate could have come up with some questions before today what have they been doing ===
When CNN video feed noted the recess they said “its looks like they are breaking for lunch”. I think it took them by surprise and they were not paying attention because there was a gap before they came back live.
Comment by Been There Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:23 pm
Blago Alone-Lost in New York
He does kinda have Macaulay’s hairdo.
Sorry, couldn’t pass it up.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:24 pm
I wonder if the TV channels showing this live have to precede the tape excerpts with a “language may be offensive to some viewers, discretion is advised” disclaimer?
Comment by Secret Square Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:24 pm
There is very little to admire about the governor’s conduct during this entire embroglio, but I will defend his decision to not “defend” this impeachment trial. If we agree that the principal charge is charge #1, that he tried to sell the Obama Senate Seat and he is not allowed to call witnesses like Junior, Jarrett and Emanuel so as not to damage Fitzgerald’s case, why should he conduct a defense? The “witnesses” listed aren’t “witnesses” of anything that would ever be admitted in a court of law. It’s 99% hearsay without foundation. That doesn’t mean that an impeachment trial has the same rules, but it does mean that any real defense here would HAVE TO INCLUDE THE ABILITY TO CALL WITNESSES INVOLVED IN THE “NEGOTIATIONS” WHO WOULD SAY THAT THEY NEVER DISCUSSED ANY QUID PRO QUO.
This trial is a classic example of putting the cart before the horse. Sen. Matt Murphy was on Good Morning America, saying that the different standards were okay, because they are only trying to take his “job” and the prosecutors were trying to take his “liberty”.
The politicians should have waited. This proceeding, while conducted by a man of undeniable honor (Chief Justice Fitzgerald) will probably only serve to make our legislature more foolish, which has long been a Blagojevich goal. They just keep playing along.
Comment by chiatty Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:28 pm
I’m tired of hearing about these pleas of fairness. Sorry, but you don’t get elected to public office fairly. Being elected to public office doesn’t mean we work for you, but that you should do everything you can to work for us. When an elected official is impeached, they should consider it similarly as losing an election.
The issue of fairness is so subjective. Was it fair for Blagojevich to be elected over Jim and Judy? Yes, it was because that is how politics works. Same with impeachment.
All this whining about fairness is ridiculous. A public office is a public trust. Anyone voted into office should feel that they owe us, not us, them. You beg for votes, and then you beg to stay. When your term ends, you should expect to be gone. We have gotten carried away in giving politicians a royal treatment once elected. Their publicity in gaining office, and their visibility in office seems to give them too much credibility based on being in office, instead of their performance in office. Some call politics, “showbiz for ugly people”. It shouldn’t be the way we value our government leaders.
Impeachment, recall, elections and other ways that public officials are removed from elected office should be used, and used often enough to keep the performance of elected officials at a high level. We have to set a higher standard in Illinois since both political parties obviously don’t care who they nominate and elect.
Comment by VanillaMan Monday, Jan 26, 09 @ 1:29 pm