The Blagojevich Indictment Round-Up, Part Deux

The first 24 hours following the official announcement of former governor Rod Blagojevich's indictment produced a flurry of newsworthy headlines. Another day's time has proven just as fruitful.

• It seems Blago has lost a leading criminal-defense lawyer for the second time. Late Friday afternoon, attorney Terry Gillespie said he was dropping out due to a conflict of interest. He had been hired several months ago to defend William Cellini -- a Springfield power broker who has been named a co-defendant in the Blago indictment. Cellini's lead defense lawyer says he will ask the judge to try his client separately, but no word whether he will have success in doing so. [Sun-Times, Tribune]
• In addition to the announcement that three of his former chiefs-of-staff -- John Harris, Lon Monk and John Wyma -- will be providing key testimonies, top fundraiser and Blago insider Antoin "Tony" Rezko has started to provide prosecutors with more detailed information about the ex-governor's operation. Former Deputy Gov. Bob Greene is cooperating with the government as well. [Tribune]
• It looks like Blago won't be using profits from his book deal to pay off legal bills. On Friday the Illinois House voted 112-2 to prohibit the former governor from cashing in on the deal if he is convicted. Instead, any money he would have made will be directed to the state. [Sun-Times]
• Speculations as to why Blago's wife Patti -- who benefited from false real estate contracts with Rezko's help -- wasn't officially indicted are being increasingly scrutinized. Lawyers say she cannot be indicted simply for receiving money, she needs to have been a knowing participant in a corrupt act. The feds might be continuing to build their case against her, some say. Another theory is that trying her would have garnered unwanted jury sympathy for a family facing the possibility of two parents in jail. [Daily Herald, Tribune]