*** UPDATE 26 - 5:58 pm *** Chuck Goudie was just on Roe Conn’s show and talked about how there seems to be an indication that there was something in that note which wasn’t shared with the public. The speculation focuses on what Michael Ettinger told reporters. He seemed to strongly indicate that the note meant Robert Blagojevich was off the hook. But, who the heck knows at this point?
Jurors said in their note that they are “hopelessly deadlocked” on every count that involves an act, an attorney for Robert Blagojevich told the media after court.
Lawyers are now scratching their heads, trying to figure out what that means, attorney Michael Ettinger said in a press conference at around 4:50 p.m.
The jury might be saying they are “hopelessly deadlocked” on the racketeering charges, Ettinger speculated. That’s a lengthy and complicated charge that is divided into six separate “acts.”
Attorneys saw the entire note sent out by the jury earlier today; only portions were read in court a little while ago. Judge James Zagel has responded in writing, asking the jury for clarification.
Ettinger responded with “I don’t know” over and over again when asked if he thinks the jury’s note meant they were deadlocked on every count or just some.
Blago jury gone for day. Will return in morning to tell judge on how many counts they are deadlocked.
What we really need is a full and accurate transcript of that jury note. Nobody seems to have it since the judge quoted bits and pieces and summarized it. From Susan Berger…
Bottom line. Everyone confused.
Yep. Me too.
*** UPDATE 22 - 5:00 pm *** Michael Ettinger, an attorney for Robert Blagojevich…
“We don’t know what it means, the judge doesn’t know what it means.”
*** UPDATE 21 - 4:54 pm *** Robert Blagojevich attorney Michael Ettinger just told NBC5 that he has been instructed to return to court tomorrow at 11.
*** UPDATE 20 - 4:52 pm *** I asked Susan Berger a few minutes ago whether everything but the post-game interviews were finished for the day. Here’s her response…
Not clear. Possible jury could respond with another note.
*** UPDATE 19 - 4:49 pm *** The Tribune has added this line to its blog post, which may give us a clue as to what’s going on…
The jury indicated it wanted to know what happens if it cannot agree on a unanimous decision on every count. The panel had matched up specific acts in the case to individual counts and was unclear on what to do next, the note said.
“What is the next logical step?” the jury asked in its note.
U.S. District Judge James Zagel, reading from a note from jurors, said they had made “a reasonable
attempt” after deliberating 11 days and had done so “without rancor.”
“What is the next logical step?” the jury asked in its note.
Zagel said in court that he needs further clarification from the jury before deciding the next step.
The jury wants to go home for the day, the judge said.
Zagel read from the note he will send back to the jury. It asks them which counts, if any, they have been able to agree on, and also explains that it’s “permissible” for them to submit a unanimous decision on some counts and be hung on others.
“I’ll give this to the jury and we’ll see what happens,” the judge said.
As the former governor arrived with his wife, Patti, shortly before 4 p.m. today, he was asked by reporters how he was feeling and he responded: “Butterflies.”
Word is blago just left his house in a Red Chevy 3:20 pm
Google maps says it’s a 17-minute drive, but I hardly think they can make it there that fast. Plus, he has to get through security. It’ll be awhile yet.
Ex-governor Rod Blagojevich and his brother, Robert, are expected to arrive at the Dirksen Federal Building shortly. Barricades have been put up on Dearborn Street and reporters and camera crews are slowly gathering outside.
It’s an unexpected development in what seemed at first to be — and which could still turn out to be — a simple court hearing about a jury question.
But the fact that the defendants were asked to show up does raise some eyebrows. Court personnel has not said anything about a verdict — they normally do, when one is reached.
If the jury reveals that it is deadlocked, Judge James Zagel will likely tell them to keep deliberating and do their best to come up with a verdict.
Somethings up. Word is barricades up outside. Blago on his way here? Just speculation
*** UPDATE 2 - 2:38 pm *** From Susan Berger’s Twitter page…
There are thoughts this must be significant- the lawyers have been in the courtroom for 30 minutes. We are not yet allowed in
*** UPDATE 1 - 2:32 pm *** From the Sun-Times’ Blago Blog…
But in the meantime, something a bit out of the ordinary — attorneys are having a closed-door conference with Judge James Zagel. They were told to meet him in the courtroom at 2 p.m.
We don’t know if they’re privately discussing the jury’s question before it is made public in open court, or if they’re talking about something else entirely. But it certainly has the media abuzz with the possibilities.
Lots and lots of rumors. Keep your powder dry. We’ll know soon.
[ *** End Of Updates *** ]
* A hearing is scheduled for 2:30 this afternoon in Rod Blagojevich’s case. Apparently, the jurors have sent the judge another question…
Attorneys were told to be at the courthouse this afternoon and were not told that their clients must also attend.
The question comes on Day 11 of deliberations and eight days after the 12-member panel last communicated with the judge in the case.
The last communication from jurors came on July 30th when they asked for all the trial’s testimony.
Everybody, just take a deep breath. We’ll know more later this afternoon. The rumors have been swirling, but one of Blagojevich’s defense lawyers just tamped it all down…
But defense lawyer Sheldon Sorosky says his information suggests that the matter is only a procedural question, and nothing more.
* The AP interviewed former Gov. Jim Edgar about Rod Blagojevich today. Here’s a brief excerpt…
Q: (W)hy do you think Blagojevich was twice elected governor(in 2002 and 2006)?
A: “The first time, it was a vote against George Ryan. He was going to change, reform government. I can understand voters, after one person fails, they were going to turn to the other party.”
“The second time, I don’t think there is any good reason. The voters blew it. The media actually did a pretty good job of documenting Blagojevich’s ethical shortcomings.”
*** UPDATE - 5:07 pm *** The jury has left for the day without announcing a verdict.
“You can’t prepare for a guilty verdict,” he said.
He’d better try.
* Blagojevich’s attorney Sam Adam, Sr. told reporters today that Rod and Patti Blagojevich are trying hard to keep news of the trial away from their two daughters…
“Their biggest problem is not letting this get to their children,” said Sam Adam. “Little Annie who’s eight years old, they’ve got to keep all the news away from her, and it’s very difficult.
“She’s scared she’s going to lose her daddy.”
The concern about trial news is odd because they brought the kids to the trial. Adam addressed that topic too, saying Blagojevich’s older daughter demanded to go, and then the younger daughter said she wanted to go as well…
“I know the news media all said this was a play for sympathy, not at all.”
Asked if the parents had any regrets about bringing the kids to the trial, Adam said “Not at all.”
* Robert Blagojevich’s attorney said he has some regrets, however. He wanted Congressman Jackson to be called to the stand, but he wouldn’t say why…
“I don’t know if I can at this point go into it. But it would have shown, you know, you’ve got the Jesse Jr. alleged bribery extortion. You’ve seen one side of it that I believe the evidence shows really didn’t occur. I believe the jury would have seen the other side of Jesse and the Indians if Jesse would have testified,” Ettinger said.
