Blagojevich's lawyer quits impeachment trial

CHICAGO, Illinois (CNN) - Defense attorney Edward Genson will not represent Gov. Rod Blagojevich in his Senate impeachment trial, the U.S. attorney's office in the Northern District of Illinois said.

No explanation or details were immediately available. Genson represented Blagojevich during impeachment proceedings in the Illinois state House. The House voted last week to impeach him. The Senate's trial is set to begin January 26.

The governor was arrested December 9 on federal corruption charges. Among other allegations, federal prosecutors said the governor tried to trade or sell President-elect Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat. Blagojevich has denied any wrongdoing and said the House impeachment vote was politically motivated.

Filed under: Rod Blagojevich

soundoff (3 Responses)

Jackie in Dallas

Well, when the vote for impeachment comes out to 117 for to 1 against, it is pretty plain to see that either you are a rotten lawyer, or your client doesn't have a leg to stand on when it goes to the proceedings floor. You know, I think that that rat...er, lawyer...knew the ship was sinking!

January 16, 2009 04:56 pm at 4:56 pm |
Tony

"Defense attorney Edward Genson will not represent Gov. Rod Blagojevich in his Senate impeachment trial, the U.S. attorney's office in the Northern District of Illinois said. No explanation or details were immediately available."

How 'bout cuz he's guilty?

January 16, 2009 04:59 pm at 4:59 pm |
JU

A rat deserting a sinking ship?

January 16, 2009 09:48 pm at 9:48 pm |