Ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich won’t be the only true character in the courtroom when his public corruption trial begins in June. The judge presiding over the case has quite a background. MIKE ROBINSON The Associated Press CHICAGO – Judge James B. Zagel has meted out justice on the silver screen and masterminded a bank robbery in…
This guy was a born entertainer. After his arrest, he worked the television circuit like a tv star. Now he’s taking it up one notch with reality tv. The real name of the reality TV show should be: “Is this Guy For Real?” BY NATASHA KORECKI Chicago Sun-Times CHICAGO — When he was indicted, former…
In Chicago politics, where ever there’s smoke, at minimum, there’s more smoke. We’ll see if there’s any fire here. This probe could still have more legs. NATASHA KORECKI AND FRAN SPIELMAN Chicago Sun-Times CHICAGO — Federal authorities have asked U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson (D.-Ill) why former Gov. Rod Blagojevich believed he would get campaign cash…
By Allan Lengel tickletehwire.com U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald filed a motion Wednesday asking for a 90-day extension to return an indictment against Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff John Harris to review an avalanche of potential evidence. Under federal procedures, the government has 30 days to obtain an indictment through the grand jury…
By Jon Perkins ticklethewire.com Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, defying conventional political wisdom — not to mention U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and his own state Democratic Party — appointed a former longtime Illinois state official to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. The appointment of former state comptroller and…
One of the worst kept secrets has been the Obama generated report on the his team’s contact with Gov. Blagojevich. On Tuesday the report was finally released. By Jill Zuckman and John McCormick Chicago Tribune WASHINGTON – A report issued by Barack Obama’s transition concluded that the president-elect had no contact with Gov. Rod Blagojevich…
By Jon Perkins ticklethewire.com At first blush the case against scandal-plagued Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich would appear to be overwhelming. Not so fast say some criminal defense lawyers. Though they say the public evidence against Blagojevich appears strong –hours and hours of damning conversations — truth is the tapes are only talk. Plus, the governor…
Tony Rezko could help the feds build their case against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. It’s likely the convicted felon is dishing up dirt on somebody. BY NATASHA KORECKI Chicago Sun-Times CHICAGO — Federal prosecutors asked a judge Monday to indefinitely postpone Tony Rezko’s scheduled Oct. 28 sentencing on corruption charges, acknowledging they are engaged in…
