Results tagged “edgenson”

Now that he's no longer Governor, Rod Blagojevich can turn his attention to his upcoming federal trial and, more importantly, finding a new lead attorney. Star defender Ed Genson quit Blago's legal team on the heels of Blago's media blitz, which Genson disapproved of. With that, all the ex-gov is left with is "longtime friend" Sheldon Sorosky. The father-son pair of Sam Adams Jr. and Sr. handles some of Blago's impeachment proceedings but have not yet committed to the federal portion of Blago's legal woes. The Sun-Times reports that Rod and Patti met with several prospective attorneys over the weekend in an attempt to fill out the roster.

It seems like just yesterday we were talking about Blago going all crazy in the press. Because it was. After yesterday's Pearl Harbor comments, the WLS interview, and his crazy press conference, Blago is following up with appearances on Good Morning, America, The View, and Larry King Live, all on Monday. And what does all this publicity get him? Nothing, as far as we're concerned, but it did cost him his high-profile defense attorney Ed Genson who is resigning from Blago's criminal defense team. Genson, upset over Blago's insistence to continue speaking publicly, said, "I never require a client to do what I say. But I do require them to at least listen. I wish the governor good luck and Godspeed."

Governor Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial gets underway on Monday and things are, what else, a hot mess. So what's going on in the World of Blago as the trial approaches?

In the wake of Friday's announcement that attorneys Ed Genson, Sam Adam, Sr., and Sam Adam, Jr. recused themselves from Governor Blagojevich's upcoming impeachment trial, there's been some speculation as to the real reason why the three backed out at the last minute.

Image of House Impeachment Committee AP Photo/Seth Perlman

We're mesmerized by the "debate" happening in the state house right now - watch it for yourself here. One of the congressmen noted that today is Nixon's birthday and several others have compared Blago to Tricky Dick. All it takes is 60 votes of "yes" to impeach the governor and send the case to the Senate. It's going to be a long day, so let's do this quick hits style.

• The AP has a nice, simple run-down that amounts to "The Dummie's Guide to the Blagojevich Charges."
• Blago Attorney Ed Genson is trying to get U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald removed from the case, quoting Fitzy's emotional response at the press conference on Dec. 9 as proof that he's unfit to try the case. But as attorney Patrick Cotter told the Trib, "What, they want a prosecutor who thinks their client isn't guilty?"
• In spite of the request by the committee that recommended impeachment, no one will be hearing those Blago tapes anytime soon. Blago's attorney's have successfully gained more time to look into the matter and an official decision has been put off until January 23.

Blagojevitch lawyers Sam Adams, Jr. (left) and Ed Genson (right) confer while facing the state's impeachment committee. AP Photo/Seth Perlman