It was day two of former Blago top aide John Harris' turn on the witness stand and there was lots to sort through: a deal with Emil Jones, that "golden" senate seat, some of the Blago Tapes, and even Rod's hope to be a diplomat (you know, in case those aspirations to be President or a professor didn't pan out). The day began with talk of Blago's legal fees and how much he owed, even as far back as 2007. Talk then turned to the coveted U.S. Senate seat belonging to then-Presidential candidate Barack Obama beginning with a deal, Harris said, Blago thought he had with then-state senate president Emil Jones. Blago had amended the passed ethics bill and hoped Jones would hold up an override vote that would pass the original version of the bill because the original version would otherwise hinder. Blago's fundraising efforts. According to Harris, Blago intended to offer the seat to Jones if the bill was held up. But after some persuasion from Obama, Jones let the ethics bill vote go through, upsetting Blago who then allegedly said, "No way he's getting the seat now." more ›

It took a week but yesterday finally saw the playing of the first FBI wiretap tapes in the case against the Brothers Blagojevich as prosecutors continued to pepper former Blago pal Lon Monk with questions. In fact, it was all Monk, all day long, the former gov's old chief-of-staff being the only witness on the stand today. There were details of Blago's proposed wheeling and dealing for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by then-president-elect Barack Obama, including discussions to put Jesse Jackson, Jr. in the seat. There was talk of the code names the inner circle used. The conversation also turned to Blago's family. First, Patti Blagojevich and her connections to Tony Rezko, including a job that was given to Patti so that she could earn more money for the family, was brought up (and Patti had to leave the courtroom since she's a defense witness). And co-defendant/brother Rob Blagojevich was brought up in terms of his role as campaign fundraiser for the ex-gov. Monk also discussed the alleged shakedowns of road builders as Blagojevich wanted to use the announcement of highway funds to "incentivize" donations. Now we wait as jurors were dismissed until Monday when Monk's testimony, including cross-examination, will resume. more ›

After yesterday's temper-tantrum by Blago, U.S. District Judge James Zagel, presiding over the ex-gov's trial, kept Blago in check at today's hearing. Saying, "I will not permit the legal equivalent of head butts," Zagel also ruled that he is the authority on what tapes will and won't be played at the trial, slated to start June 3: “I will not allow the time of these jurors to be needlessly consumed." Zagel set a May 14 deadline for the defense to submit a list of the tapes they want played at the trial. And in case you were wondering, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald did not show up (nor was he expected to). more ›

• Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg was completely evacuated this afternoon after a citizen reported seeing a man with a gun. After a subsequent search by police turned up nothing, the mall was reopened.
• A federal judge sentenced Paul Schiro to 20 years today. Schiro is the first defendant from the Family Secrets trials to be sentenced. While the jury had only convicted Schiro of racketeering, his sentence was longer because, according to the Sun-Times, "U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel found that the prosecution had proven by a preponderance of evidence that Schiro had helped kill [Emil] Vaci."
• Box maker Smurfit-Stone, who has a headquarters located here, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Such a filing would allow them to restructure their debt.

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