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| Blagojevich to swear in Senate, then members start his trial |
| 2009-01-11 |
| A surreal scenario is expected to play out Wednesday in the Illinois Senate: Against a ceremonial backdrop of pomp and circumstance, Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich will preside over the swearing-in of the very same lawmakers whose first order of business will be to consider whether to dump him from office. The first impeachment trial of a governor in Illinois' long, corrupt history is expected to look a lot like the last one that gripped the nation's attention a decade ago-- President Bill Clinton's 1999 U.S. Senate trial, even if it could stretch out longer than the three weeks that one lasted. The 59 senators--37 Democrats and 22 Republicans, including three freshmen--will act as the jury. The state Supreme Court's chief justice, Thomas Fitzgerald, will preside. A special prosecutor hired by the House will trade rhetoric with Blagojevich's defense team, likely to be led by renowned criminal attorney Ed Genson. And all the drama will unfold live to the public, including deliberations. |
| Posted by:Fred |
| #3 I can't see why he wouldn't swear in the Senate. He swears every #@$!%&*! place else.... |
| Posted by: Barbara Skolaut 2009-01-11 22:52 |
| #2 If Blago refuses to swear in the Senate, he could be impeached.....maybe. |
| Posted by: Alaska Paul 2009-01-11 22:07 |
| #1 Gov. Rod Blagojevich will preside over the swearing-in of the very same lawmakers ... What if he refuses to do so? |
| Posted by: DMFD 2009-01-11 12:50 |