Gov. Rod Blagojevich has asked to make a statement at the impeachment trial he has so far avoided, but still refuses to answer questions from the lawmakers who will decide whether to remove him from office, the Illinois Senate president announced Wednesday. It is to happen about 11:00 A.M. on Thursday.
A buzz swept through the Senate chambers during the surprise announcement, which interrupted the third day of the unprecedented trial. The prosecution later rested its case against Blagojevich, who is accused of trying to sell President Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate seat to the highest bidder, among other corruption charges.
“It’s my understanding that the governor wishes to file an appearance to give a closing argument, not to testify or to submit himself to cross-examination,” Senate President John Cullerton said. “Just to give a closing argument.”
Closing arguments are expected Thursday, and the Senate could decide Blagojevich’s fate later that day.
CAFFEINATED POLITICS 