Rod Blagojevich defends himself at his impeachment trial

Chicago Tribune ^ | Jan 29, 2009 | Ray Long and Rick Pearson

[malkee]

Alternately praising and upbraiding those who will decide his political fate, Gov. Rod Blagojevich today urged the Illinois Senate not to remove him from office, saying he has "done absolutely nothing wrong" and "never, ever intended to violate the law."

"There hasn't been a single piece of information that proves any wrongdoing," Blagojevich said to senators who were mostly stoic. "How can you throw a governor out of office with insufficient and incomplete evidence?"

The governor's dramatic, 47-minute closing argument unfolded as the Senate prepares to take a historic vote on whether to make Blagojevich the first Illinois governor dumped from office.

Blagojevich warned senators against setting a "dangerous precedent" that would overturn an electorate that twice elected him.

[rednesss]

There were no crimes committed by the Governor. This is all made up.

[Star Traveler]

I hope the conviction fails by one vote... then it’s time to get out the popcorn and sit back.... LOL...

[Lurker]

I for one would have loved an extended IL Senate trial during which Blago subpeonad Emanual, JJ Jr, Obama and then put them on the stand under oath.

Pity the IL Dems shot that down toot sweet.

L

[Texas Fossil]

Sounds strangely like Slobodan Milošević.

I had contempt for that commie, but sympathy for the Serbian People.

If I remember correctly he defended himself also. In his case he mounted a pretty capable defense until he died in jail.

[Joe Boucher]

Guy associated with the Clintons and that Arkansas real estate deal died in jail also.
He was a “little sick”.

[Parley Baer]

“There hasn't been a single piece of information that proves any wrongdoing”

A far as I know he is right. I think the impeachment is a little premature until there is some evidence presented. But then again it is the serious nature of the charge that is only necessary for dimocRATS.

[Gypssy]

I am rooting for him. He is just as slick as Obama but much more entertaining.

I wish he would stay on as governor and a thorn in the side of Obama administration.

[BobbyT]

Best comment I’ve come across regarding the situation:

Illinois voters must be turning over in their graves.

[jaydubya2]

From what I understand, evidence is not necessary. This is not a criminal hearing. The could kick him out just because they don’t like his hair.

[Texas Fossil]

You are talking about McDougal. His wife went to jail also and would not rat on Klintons.

[Joe Boucher]

Both were afraid they’d get whacked like so many other associates of the Klintoons.
Then when they reached out and touched James his much younger stupid wife suddenly got some brains and shut her yap.