Blagojevich sentencing day 1 morning recap, December 6, 2011, Susan Berger live coverage, Judge Zagel comments

Blagojevich sentencing day 1 morning recap, December 6, 2011, Susan Berger live coverage, Judge Zagel comments

“Why did Patrick Fitzgerald and the US Justice Department wait until December 2008 to arrest Rod Blagojevich?”…Citizen Wells

“I believe I’m more pristine on Rezko than him.”…Rod Blagojevich

From Susan Berger live at the Rod Blagojevich sentencing hearing, December 6, 2011. 

“Recap of the Blagojevich sentencing morning session”

“The courtroom was packed. Rod is wearing a navy pinstripe suit. Looks paler than usual. Been alternating wringing his hands and clenching his jaw during proceedings. Patti is seate between her brother Rich who often has his arm around her and her sister Deb Mell. She is dressed in a grey pinstripe jacket and white top. She looks paler than when I last saw her and seems serious. This morning the Government and Defense both stated their cases- pretty much the same as has been reported in the recent court filings. The Defense says Blagojevich didn’t take anything, that he relied on his advisors and that indeed Childrens got their legislation and the racetrack passed their legislation. The Prosecution said “It is not an issue how much money was involved- the issue is what he wanted to obtain” They stressed that Blagojevich was the only one who stood to benefit- not his aides. Judge Zagel made a few points: – that Blagojevich’s failure to complete an offense does not necessarily lessen his culpability -”The Governor of Illinois had the power to inflict penalties on those who did not pay” -The recorded voice of the Defendant mentions $1.5 million – speaks only of this amount- that was the benefit he had in mind. In a very real sense that is what he said. The demand might have been more “the valuation is based on his words”"

Read more:

http://www.blagojustice.com/2011/12/no-twitter-reception-this-morning-in-blagojevich-courtroom-here-is-a-reap-so-far-the-courtroom-was-packed-rod-is-wear.html

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