Inherit The Windbag: Verdicts Could Be Close

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Aug 17, 2010 6:00PM

What with all the fussing about the ongoing drama of the Blago jury, a new note to Judge Zagel could signal the jury is close to reaching the finish line on this, the 14th day of deliberations. So close, in fact that Michael Ettinger, attorney for Robert Blagojevich, thinks the jury will come back with a verdict today. As for the actual note:

First, they requested a copy of the oath that they took when they were sent to deliberate the case against former Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Second, they asked Zagel how to fill out a verdict form when they can't agree on a specific count. "Do we leave it blank or report the vote split?" the note asked.

So what to make of this? Well, obviously, if they're asking how to fill out the verdict form, they are close to verdicts. As for the request for the oath, the Sun-Times' Natasha Korecki writes:

The jury's request for a copy of the oath could signal a new level of division within the group.

The prosecution pushed the judge to send an additional instruction asking the jury to "make every effort to make a unanimous verdict" -- but Zagel declined.

Instead, the judge said he would send a note stating, "I remind you that in addition to the oath, you have my instructions, which must govern your deliberations and decisions."

So we're heading for only partial verdicts in the 24 counts against former governor Rod Blagojevich and four counts against brother Robert. And if that includes no verdict on the most serious charge - racketeering - it seems we should expect a retrial. Zagel has ordered that the Blago Brothers stay no more than 30 minutes away from court to help speed up the process should they be required in court.