January 23rd, 2009
04:12 PM ET
3 years ago

Blagojevich calls Illinois senate trial rules unfair

Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich accused the state Senate Friday of 'trampling' his constitutional rights.
Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich accused the state Senate Friday of 'trampling' his constitutional rights.

(CNN) - Embattled Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich accused the state Senate Friday of "trampling" his constitutional rights by imposing what he believes are unlawful restrictions in his upcoming impeachment trial, scheduled to begin Monday.

Watch: Ill. Gov. speaks out against impeachment trial

Blagojevich, who is facing federal corruption charges, asked the editorial boards of Illinois' largest newspapers - including the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times - to weigh in on his behalf and "urge the Senate to change the rules."

"I believe everyone is entitled to a fair hearing," Blagojevich said at a Chicago press conference. The trial is a "violation of the freedoms we enjoy as Americans ... If they can do this to a governor, they can do this to any citizen in Illinois."

Blagojevich specifically asked for a change in a Senate trial rule which he said is preventing him from calling witnesses such as Obama confidant Valerie Jarrett, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel.

Emanuel, claimed Blagojevich, agrees that he did not break any laws.

Blagojevich also contested a rule which he claimed does not allow him to challenge the basic assertions in the state House impeachment report.
Filed under: Rod Blagojevich
soundoff (108 Responses)
  1. BenderHeel

    He's mentally unstable.

    And how can "any citizen of Illinois" be impeached from office? He and his attorneys need to re-learn the laws and the rules government this impeachment, which is just a tad different than a criminal trial.

    January 23, 2009 08:44 pm at 8:44 pm |
  2. Chicago Red

    WATCH HIM ........The man is a walking time BOMB!!!!!

    January 23, 2009 08:51 pm at 8:51 pm |
  3. Texas Teacher

    Oh, bless his heart... poor thing... he simply thought he could do anything he wanted to do! Those days are ending fast.... good ole boy ole time politics is coming to a screeching halt! Get out of the way, bozos, or you may find yourself trampled by the circus elephants! 🙂

    January 23, 2009 08:53 pm at 8:53 pm |
  4. Turk in Indiana

    The governor was exceptional on radio this morning (reputed tonight) and put the challenge us average people face in a nutshell is terms that we outside the two coasts can understand. It is about people in both parties getting elected to A) stay in office and B) to raise our taxes so they can spend out money on their pet projects.

    And, he voted for Reagan twice!!!!

    /wonder if the media will pick up on this... or if Emmanuel and Jackson and others will be called to testify>

    Turk in Indiana

    January 23, 2009 09:01 pm at 9:01 pm |
  5. mike

    Sorry, but the press has been pathetic in their treatment of Blago. Why not just read out the transcript of the taped conversation out to him, and say how about that?

    January 23, 2009 09:02 pm at 9:02 pm |
  6. GMan in KC

    Is that hair real?

    January 23, 2009 09:03 pm at 9:03 pm |
  7. Ula Nejad

    The President of the United States does not work alone. He works under Congress meaning that it applies to Governors as well. There is nothing unfair if the senate agrees to impeach him. Emmanuel will be called to testify i'm sure.

    January 23, 2009 09:10 pm at 9:10 pm |
  8. D. D.

    You are right- just resign, Governor.
    To think all this was about the dollars. Before thisends this family is going to be broker than I am- now that's broke.
    Can he declare bankruptcy?

    January 23, 2009 09:12 pm at 9:12 pm |
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