Illinois Senate Takes Up Blagojevich’s Case

He’s been airing his side of the story to the press; now it’s time for the Illinois Senate to actually decide Rod Blagojevich’s fate. On Monday, the impeached Illinois governor went on trial, and his prospects aren’t looking good.

AP via Google News:

Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald began the trial Monday by reminding senators they face “a solemn and serious business.”

Senators will consider charges that the Democratic governor tried to sell a Senate seat, used his authority to pressure campaign contributors and defied legislative decisions.

Blagojevich is refusing to take part in the trial. He says its rules are so biased that he can’t present a defense.

Blagojevich spent Monday in New York, where he made several TV appearances to proclaim his innocence.

It would take a two-thirds vote in the Senate to convict Blagojevich and remove him from office. Senators also could vote to bar him from ever holding office again.

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AP photo / Mary Altaffer

Reporter Geraldo Rivera is reflected on a car window as Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich leaves after appearing on the television program “The View” in New York on Monday.