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The prosecution makes its closing arguments

Posted in:

* 10:00 am - Here we go.

FYI, Mike is handling live blog duties on this one in comments.

Also, the guv is in the building.

More FYI: The gallery is full enough that the doormen are allowing people in only when people come out, I’m told.

Awaiting the governor. There’ll be a fresh thread soon.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 9:48 am

Comments

  1. Rich, is there a good video feed to watch the action online?

    Thanks for your fantastic coverage.

    Comment by Joshua Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 9:52 am

  2. If the glove don’t fit, you must acquit!

    Comment by John Bambenek Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 9:53 am

  3. I’ve had good luck with ABC Chicago 7

    Comment by Can't wait Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 9:54 am

  4. ABC-WLS Channel 7 has an excellent feed.

    Comment by Shakedown Street Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 9:54 am

  5. http://illinoishomepage.net/content/blagoimpeach

    I’m not sure how good it is but it will probably be less congested as it’s one of our local stations.

    Comment by Central IL Stater Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 9:55 am

  6. make that ABC7 Chicago Live

    Comment by Can't wait Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 9:55 am

  7. wandtv.com works great too

    Comment by downstate demo Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 9:55 am

  8. I’ve been critical of you in the past, Rich, for what I viewed to be biased reporting of the governor. My loyalty to him prevented me from appreciating your loyalty to this state. I read the article about the lunch you had recently with the reporter (where he commented about your smoking and disregard for his disdain for it). I realized after reading that I realized that you care for this state in a genuine way and that maybe your repoerting was biased because you couldnt believe what was happening with state government under the governor.

    Anyway, on this historic day, I wanted to acknowledge that and say that we are lucky to have somebody like you who reports the news through the prism of concern for the state’s best interest.

    Thanks.

    Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 9:56 am

  9. CNN has been pretty good.

    Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:00 am

  10. Opening prayer and introduction of resolutions

    Court to order.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:00 am

  11. Is there a deadline for Rod to show up today?

    Comment by Windy City Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:00 am

  12. Roll call.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:01 am

  13. Motion to grant leave being read.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:03 am

  14. Looks like Ellis took your advice, Rich

    Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:05 am

  15. Closing arguments of Prosecutor Ellis: 60 minutes

    Gov was arrested for 5 different federal charges.

    All his decisions were made based on 3 criteria. 1. Legal 2. Personal. Political

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:06 am

  16. 31 taped conversations about trading senate seat for something of personal value. “you don’t give it away for nothing” -RRB

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:08 am

  17. When’s Rod showing up?

    Comment by Shakedown Street Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:09 am

  18. Blago’s PR firm encouraging supporters to phone the capitol in support of the gov.

    (PRNewsChannel) / Chicago, Ill. / Gov. Rod Blagojevich will go to Springfield tomorrow to present his case to Illinois senators preparing to impeach him, according to The Publicity Agency, the outside PR/publicity firm hired by the governor.

    The governor is urging supporters to call senators and urge them to allow the governor to call witnesses showing he has done nothing wrong.

    The governor is preparing for tomorrow and is not available for interviews.

    More information to follow.

    For breaking news alerts, please follow us on The Publicity Agency’s Twitter page.
    www.twitter.com/PublicityAgency

    Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:09 am

  19. David Ellis: Governor was arrested on five seperate criminal acts. Legal, Personal, Political. Gov trying to trade Senate seat for cabinet level position, ambassadorship, paid position for wife Patti. Then position with Change to Win. If none of those, he would appoint himself. “You don’t give it away for nothing” Gov. repeatedly sent others to do his bidding, warned them to speak in person, not on phone, assume others are listening.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:10 am

  20. Gov. would say this evidence of quid pro quo was just talk.

    Well it is not just talk, it is actions. His actions and the actions of his staff.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:10 am

  21. 31 wrongful acts.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:11 am

  22. 31 convo’s of RRB are enough for impeachment. We don’t no what actions he may or may not have ordered. But we can tell his motivations simply from his own words.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:11 am

  23. Rep Jack Franks is proposing legislation today to move primary from Feb 2010 to August 2010

    Comment by LOL Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:12 am

  24. Take the Trib for example. 15 convo’s where RRB tries to use his office to shake down the Trib.

    The Gov’s own words. Scheming to ensure that he would not get caught. Told Harris no to make demands overt.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:14 am

  25. Listening to closing, I am not happy. Just very, very sad.

    I called my Senator, but it was not in support of the Gov.

    Comment by Pot calling kettle Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:14 am

  26. No money from the state unless the editorial members of the Tribune are fired. 15 conversations between Gov and Harris on this issue. Gov knew what he was doing was wrongful.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:14 am

  27. Pay to play. Too many examples to type. How sad.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:16 am

  28. Pay to play: RRB’s own words, from his own mouth. Wanted to raise 2.5 million before the end of the year and the implementation of new state ethics laws.

    Toll way bill (1.8 billion) could have been bigger but RRB wanted to do a trial run to see if contractor would hold up his end of the pay to play bargain.

    Horse Racing Bill- Playing Audio tapes. (“the end of the year right”- RRB)

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:18 am

  29. Playing tapes about gambling bill. Gov’s. utmost concern is getting the campaign contribution from J. Johnston before the end of the year in return for getting the bill signed.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:19 am

  30. Playing all 4 audio tapes.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:21 am

  31. WBEZ broadcasting it live, not just online today

    Comment by carbon deforestation Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:21 am

  32. Can’t get a good audio feed in Afghanistan. Any suggested URLs?

    Comment by Deployed with the 33rd Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:22 am

  33. Say What–see, I missed the part in the transcripts about “for getting the bill signed”. Where was it?

    Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:22 am

  34. Lon Monk: “Its all gotta be in now.”

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:22 am

  35. which senator introduced the horse racing bill?

    Comment by Lucy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:23 am

  36. steve schnorf: I hope you are still listening. David Ellis just answered your question.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:24 am

  37. CNN - http://www.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=stream3&iref=lb100

    Comment by Watching Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:25 am

  38. RRB & Lobbyist one convo

    Lobbyist 1- “I’m just leaving there. I was talking about their commitment”

    RRB requires no context for these statements…he clearly new where lobbyist 1 was and what he was doing.

    RRB at end of convo “Good”

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:25 am

  39. Deployed, thanks for your service to our country. Sorry you couldn’t be listening to some better news from home, but I think you will really like our next Governor!

    Comment by Secret Square Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:26 am

  40. Deployed - I’m watching via the link provided at WBBM radio’s coverage: http://www.wbbm780.com/

    Comment by DB Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:26 am

  41. Deployed, tell the guys from 2/130 hello from Illinois

    Comment by Anon E. Mouse Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:29 am

  42. Lobbyist 1 wants RRB to place call John Johnson because he would assert more pressure.
    RRB- “yea good, good”

    Lobbyist 1 wanted to know if RRB would sign a bill. RRB: Yea I mean…. Lob. 1: He is good for it. RRB: Well what took him so long, I mean its been a whole year.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:29 am

  43. Twit:

    Gov. prepares to give most important speech of his political career at state capitol building in Springfield.

    Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:30 am

  44. Lon: I got in his face. Gov: Good. Then Gov gets paranoid about Chris and wonders what has taken do long. Seems like a shake-down to me. 60 conversations.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:31 am

  45. playing the tapes in succession, with times, actions, is very damaging. will the gov get up there and take others down with him before he resigns in protest? he was snarling at the reporters this morning.

    Comment by Amy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:32 am

  46. SS, DB, Carbon–THanks. It’s 9pm, so we’ll listen for another couple of hours before turning in.

    Comment by Deployed with the 33rd Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:32 am

  47. Here’s a question of the day: Will the Governor be late?

    Comment by Ann O'Namus Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:32 am

  48. Anon E. Mouse, will do.

    Comment by Deployed with the 33rd Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:34 am

  49. These conversations, from the RRB’s own mouth, clearly show his offices practice of extortion for political contributions and personal gain.

    60 conversations that indicated an abuse of power. These conversations alone are demonstrate an ongoing pattern of abuse of his office and the public trust.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:34 am

  50. “The point is not the ends, but the means.” EXCELLENT. While expanded health coverage *is* good, how he went about it was completely wrong.

    Comment by DB Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:35 am

  51. Very strong and persuasive presentation. Much better than the last two days.

    Comment by Size 14s Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:35 am

  52. JCAR abuse may have been with good intentions, but it’s not the ends it’s the means. Must protect Leg. process in order to ensure that same process is not used for sinister reason in the future.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:37 am

  53. is the governor at the capitol yet?

    Comment by anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:37 am

  54. Complete and utter comptempt of the law.

    $25 Million dollars went to an organization that did not exist.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:38 am

  55. Yes:

    Gov. Rod Blagojevich arrives at Capitol, says he’s not giving up hope, going to keep fighting, AP reports. #sjrlive 10 minutes ago from web

    Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:38 am

  56. Report form the auditor General:

    Gov used his power to essentially launder money. 25 million to a company that did not even exist.

    I Save Rx program:

    Rod implemented the program and knowingly violated Federal and State law.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:39 am

  57. Governor doesn’t want to be Governor… Be careful what you wish for.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:40 am

  58. Central Illinois PBS stations WSEC/Springfield, WQEC/Quincy and WMEC/Macomb are now broadcasting the Thursday’s impeachment proceedings.

    Comment by Now on TV Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:41 am

  59. Central Illinois PBS stations WSEC/Springfield, WQEC/Quincy and WMEC/Macomb are now broadcasting Thursday’s impeachment proceedings.

    Comment by Now on TV Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:41 am

  60. –Also, the guv is in the building.–
    And soon the refrain will be, “Elvis has left the building.”

    Comment by puzzler Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:41 am

  61. Ellis is just knocking this out of the park. Good job restating the rules and requirements for what’s needed to convict on impeachment.

    Comment by DB Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:44 am

  62. The prosecutor is doing a capable, if uninspiring, job of patching together this ragged fabric into a convincing-enough package that will allow the Senators to justify their expected overwhelming vote for impeachment.

    As for Rod, I predict that he will go cinematic again and go for a Gene-Hackman-in-Hoosiers speech. You know, the one where he defended his controversial tenure as coach at the town meeting called to determine whether he should be fired. Like Coach Dale, Rod will not apologize for the job he did. He will defend his conduct and say that he always acted in the best interests of the state. The Senate will send him out with a near-unanimous vote (Maybe he gets two or three in his favor). This, however, is where the script goes off the rails. The Coach had Jimmy Chitwood stand up and say, “I figure it’s time I start playing some ball.” But then he adds the unexpected, “I play, Coach stays, Coach goes, I don’t play.” Rod doesn’t have any Jimmy Chitwoods in Springfield. He has burned every bridge that he ever had. He is a man without a friend who can help him out at this time. He brought most of it on himself, to be sure, but he will go home to Chicago impeached, defiant and looking at a very difficult prosecution in the near future.

    Comment by chiatty Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:45 am

  63. “governor is in the building”…yeah, but LATE again. He should have been in the room already!

    Comment by DB Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:46 am

  64. Yep, Steve.
    Ellis will answer all of your questions. As for evidence, we don’t need no stinkin’ evidence. Besides, none of the “jurors” would ever even think of soliciting campaign contributions on the phone.

    Comment by Bill Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:46 am

  65. “The people of the state deserve so much better. The governor should be removed from office,”

    Comment by Anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:46 am

  66. Gov himself stated did not want to be governor.

    The rules are fair and clear.

    U.S. Att. Restrictions hurt us as well. We would have loved to call the victims of his shakedowns, but they will be used against him in the criminal case.

    Our case does not rely upon his victim’s testimony. It relies with on the gov’s own words.

    This Body (senate) has challenged the House article of impeachment, so clearly the Gov could have challenged it as fact

    Gov went to NY and lied about what is happening in the trial. Gov was not here to defend himself.

    Thus Prosecution has showed a clear pattern of abuse and that is all you must be convinced of to remove RRB from office.

    3 motivations for his actions and words Legal, Personal, Political.

    Ellis is done. RRB is in the building and will enter the chamber shortly.

    Comment by Mike Murray Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:47 am

  67. Ellis just hit a grand slam!

    Comment by Toni H. Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:47 am

  68. Comcast Digital Cable 445 in Central Illinois is broadcasting the impeachment on CSPAN.

    Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:49 am

  69. Excellent presentation by Ellis. Much clearer than the last 2 days when things seemed disjointed by all the breaks.

    Comment by Wife of 1 Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:49 am

  70. twit
    Glenn Selig: Gov. stayed up late preparing the speech.

    Comment by glued Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:51 am

  71. Do we think that the gov’s phones (and maybe senators’) are still tapped to see if he’s trying to twist any arms?

    Comment by another anon Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:51 am

  72. I thought Ellis did a very good job today

    Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:53 am

  73. What’s the schedule for the rest of the day?
    RRB talks until maybe 12:30. Then what?
    Will there be a lunch break? Is there a discussion period? How soon until there is a vote called?

    Comment by Anon E. Mouse Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:55 am

  74. Anon: according to the Trib

    • Now: Prosecutor’s closing argument
    • 11 a.m. Blagojevich’s closing argument
    • 12:30 p.m. Break
    • About 1:30 p.m. Prosecutor’s rebuttal
    • About 2 p.m. Senators deliberate

    Comment by Barnum and Blago Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:56 am

  75. Mouse- I think the Trib had a schedule up and there probably won’t be deliberation until 2ish? You may want to check.

    Comment by DB Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:59 am

  76. Rich, Thanks for the complete coverage and time you have put in on this mess. I really appreciate the good work you have done.

    Comment by Bill from Geneseo Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 10:59 am

  77. thanks Rich and Mike! the original Amy. I’m certainly no Vanilla Man, Wordslinger or Bill, just hoping for clarity for the blog…..

    Comment by Amy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:02 am

  78. . . .and Mike Murray too! I’m sure you’ll be filing a workman’s comp claim on those thumbs of yours! Thanks!

    Comment by tubbfan Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:03 am

  79. I really appreciate this blog - I can follow along while in meetings. Keep that play-by-play coming!

    Comment by Cat Dr Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:03 am

  80. Now we’re late.

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:04 am

  81. 11:03 Vince Demuzio would be proud

    Comment by 2ConfusedCrew Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:04 am

  82. Here comes the Gov.

    Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:05 am

  83. Done absolutely nothing wrong.

    Comment by Nearly Normal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:07 am

  84. I have a dream! To one day be a cowboy and be hung after a fair trial… No wait, I want to be like Gandhi, Mandela, or George Ryan. No wait, I meant Richard Nixon…. Ahh, it, I resign.

    Comment by Famous People Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:10 am

  85. A hour and 1/2 of this routine again….can they cut him off

    Comment by stallion Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:11 am

  86. Was hoping for the crazy. Looks like righteous indignation instead. Ho hum.

    Comment by JonShibleyFan Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:12 am

  87. For his own sake you would think he would have someone else write his speach.

    Comment by bockrand Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:13 am

  88. The only thing we hear on these tapes is what we all do?

    Will he name names?

    Comment by Say WHAT? Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:15 am

  89. Ask not for whom the phone tap tolls…it tolls for thee.

    Comment by JonShibleyFan Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:16 am

  90. He really did get a C in Constitutional Law. A C+ student would have known that innocence or guilt is not the question at hand in an impeachment case. He is being removed because it is clear there is a pattern of abuse of power under his administration and he can no longer effectively govern.

    Innocence or guilt will be determined later, in federal court.

    Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:17 am

  91. He is always been a loose cannon when he stops following the script

    Comment by stallion Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:22 am

  92. My god, I have underestimated him for many years. I thought he was smart and manipulative.
    Listening to this, it is clear that he is clueless, truly clueless.

    Comment by Skeptic Cal Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:24 am

  93. The only reason the bill wasn’t paid was because the comptroller refused to pay.

    Comment by stallion Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:27 am

  94. What exactly does Blago keep taking pride in, I am confused.

    Comment by Leigh Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:36 am

  95. He should take another look at the phrase of good faith. Blago is a joke.

    Comment by Bill from Geneseo Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:37 am

  96. Even for GoodHair, this is amazing. Does he have any script or notes or is this just a rant?

    Comment by oldengrey Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:39 am

  97. Gee, you think he’s speaking to a different audience with this immigrant stuff than the people who are about to throw him out of office?

    Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:39 am

  98. Good to quote people that voted to impeach you…

    Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:42 am

  99. I’ve got to take a break, the dramatics are killing me.

    Comment by Bill from Geneseo Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:44 am

  100. Oh Rod, we can’t “quit” you. We’ve been TRYING AND TRYING!!!

    Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:49 am

  101. Is it just me or does Blago sound like he is threatening some of his political pals?

    Comment by Leigh Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:51 am

  102. The night that Blago won reelection in 2006, I remember him stating, “You ain’t seen nothing yet!”.

    How right he was!

    Comment by Downstater Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 11:56 am

  103. You are not the will of the people, Rod

    Comment by OneMan Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:03 pm

  104. I’m looking forward to the prosecution rebuttal but I’m REALLY looking forward to Bill’s CLOSING argument.

    Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:25 pm

  105. How ironic that a man who’s spent the last 6 years strong-arming, end-running and overriding the elected legislature now has to beg for mercy and ask them to “put themselves in his shoes”.

    Comment by JW Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:36 pm

  106. How hard will it be for the staff to remove Blagojevich’s possessions from the Executive Mansion in Springfield? To my knowledge, the man never actually moved in after he was elected in 2002 and reelected in 2006. The building has been empty since Gorgeous George took off.

    Comment by Honest Abe Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:55 pm

  107. This impeachement proceeding is a sham and a travesty and will have far-reaching effects.

    Elected officeholders in Illinois beware of the precedence we are setting!

    Good luck to you, Rod. I believe in you!

    Comment by Black Ivy Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 12:57 pm

  108. I think Ellis did an excellent job. This wasn’t supposed to be showbiz. Somber and solemn as it should have been.

    Those of you who got verklempt about Blago’s speech are judging it like it’s the People’s Choice Awards. Cry me a river. To hell with that. This is our government and our money. The dude not only couldn’t or wouldn’t do the job, he was a flat-out crook like we’ve never seen. Good riddance.

    I’ll choose my entertainment; I sure won’t vote for it, and I won’t pay for it out of payroll deduction.

    Like Rod said, “it’s not about him.” And it’s not. It’s about us.

    Time to get to work. Lot to do.

    Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Jan 29, 09 @ 5:56 pm

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