Former Governor Rod Blagojevich's racketeering and fraud trial is due to get under way Thursday, aft

Описание: (3 Jun 2010) HEADLINE: Blagojevich fraud trial to get underway
CAPTION: Former Governor Rod Blagojevich's racketeering and fraud trial is due to get under way Thursday, after 18 months of skirmishing in the courts and the news media. The former governor, who is accused of trying to sell President Barack Obama's former Senate seat, has pleaded not guilty. (June 3)
Chicago
December 8th, 2008
ON DECEMBER 8TH, 2008 HE WAS A GOVERNOR TRYING TO GET IN THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT...JOINING A MOVEMENT OF BLUE COLOR WORKERS FIGHTING BACK AGAINST THE BANKS WHO RECEIVED FEDERAL BAILOUT MONEY.
(:05)
Rod Blagojevich
"we expect these banks to bail out businesses like this to keep them afloat and to keep these workers working."
ROD BLAGOJEVICH STOOD WITH THE EMPLOYEES OF REPUBLIC WINDOWS AND DOORS, A GROUP OF WORKERS WHO REFUSED TO GIVE UP THEIR JOBS JUST BECAUSE THEIR COMPANY WAS CLOSING DOWN.
WHILE REPORTERS WERE WAITING FOR DARKNESS TO FALL ON THE ILLINOIS GOVERNOR'S CAREER.
(:08)
Deanna Bellandi/AP
"Do you think the cloud that hangs over you is going to taint your pick?"
Rod Blagojevich
"I don't believe there is any cloud that hangs over me. I think there is nothing but sunshine hanging over me."
THE NEXT DAY, BLAGOJEVICH BECAME THE NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT WHEN HE WAS ARRESTED ON CHARGES RELATED TO PAY FOR PLAY POLITICS.
HE IS NOTORIOUSLY ACUSED OF TRYING TO SELL THEN PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA'S OPEN SENATE SEAT.
(:12)
Patrick Fitzgerald/US Attorney
"The conduct would make Lincoln rollover in his grave. The Governor's own words describing this Senate seat, quote 'It's a bleeping valuable thing. You just don't give it away for nothing.' closed quote."
RECORDING BLAGOJEVICH'S PHONE CALLS FOR TWO MONTHS, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BUILT AN IMPRESSIVE CORRUPTION CASE AGAINST HIM.
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY LAW PROFESSOR ALBERT ALSCHULER, SAYS THE PROSECUTOR, US ATTORNEY PATRICK FITZGERALD IS ALMOST INVINCIBLE.
FITZGERALD'S OFFICE ALREADY SENT THE PREVIOUS GOVERNOR, GEORGE RYAN TO PRISON.
(:10)
Albert Alschuler/Northwestern University Law Professor
"we have a more aggressive prosecutor than most places do. The US Attorney's office has made it a real high priority of rooting out government corruption."
BLAGOJEVICH IMMEDIATELY TOOK HIS CASE TO THE PUBLIC. AFTER BEING REMOVED FROM OFFICE BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE HE WENT ON A MEDIA BLITZ.
BECOMING A FILL-IN RADIO TALK SHOW HOST.
(:11)
Rod Blagojevich/on WLS 890 AM
"Good morning. This is gah...former Governor Rod Blagojevich. This is a time for a little more conversation and a little less action."
Courtesy: NBC: The Celebrity Apprentice
APPEARING ON NATIONAL TELEVISION SHOWS LIKE THE CELEBRITY APPRENTICE...
(:06)
"I'm competing because I've been wronged and maliciously accused of things I didn't do. I'm fighting back."
AND TALKING WITH ANYONE WHO WOULD LISTEN TO HIM.
(:19)
Guy on the street
"How are you doing ex-Governor? I heard you was a boxer."
Blagojevich
"Yeah, Golden Gloves."
Guy on the street
"They trying to knock you out of the box now. But you still fighting."
Blagojevich
"I'm still fighting for you guys man."
Guy on the street
"Keep your head up like Tupac Governor."
Blagojevich
"Thanks guys."
Guy on the street
"I just got out too. So I know the legal system and you might be spending a little time there."
Blagojevich
"No sir. No sir."
ALSHULER SAYS BLAGOJEVICH'S PUBLICITY PARADE IS NOT LIKELY GOING TO DO HIM A LOT OF GOOD DURING THE TRIAL.
Albert Alschuler/Northwestern University Law Professor
THE FORMER GOVERNOR KNOWS HIS OWN STORY AND HE WANTS TO HEAR THE HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF WIRE TAP RECORDINGS IN COURT.

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