MICHAEL TARM AND MIKE ROBINSON
Associated Press Writers
CHICAGO – Prosecutors in Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial are pushing ahead trying to tie a trail of money to the former Illinois governor, after the defense seemed to fluster and frustrate a central government witness.
In the most dramatic day of testimony to date, Blagojevich’s fiery attorney paced the courtroom, shouting and pointing at former Blagojevich chief of staff Alonzo Monk – and sometimes scoffing at his responses.
The impeached governor sat at the defense table, visibly pleased, smiling at his former top aide and longtime friend’s unease on the stand as his attorney, Sam Adam Jr., shot questions at Monk in rapid-fire succession.
Blagojevich and his defense team appeared confident leaving the courtroom Tuesday, Adam telling reporters Monk hadn’t bolstered the prosecution’s contention of subterfuge and greed in the Blagojevich administration.
“He couldn’t name one, not one single crime that took place – not one single attempted crime that took place,” Adam said about Monk, the prosecution’s first major witness since testimony began last week.
Blagojevich appeared almost gleeful as Adam accused Monk of lying on the stand – turning to smile at his wife, Patti, who was sitting behind him on a spectator’s bench.
At the day’s end, though, the big-haired Blagojevich said he was saddened to see his old friend testify against him and that he “couldn’t help but think about the times we spent together.”
But Blagojevich hastened to add a dig, saying, “I couldn’t help but think about his mother and his father – especially his father and the shame his father probably feels.”
On Wednesday, prosecutors are expected to resume questioning their latest witness, Joseph Aramanda. On Tuesday, the one-time associate of convicted fixer Tony Rezko told a complex tale of how hundreds of thousands of dollars traveled between a Springfield lobbyist, Rezko and a businessman whose company operated restaurants for the state toll roads.
Testimony from Aramanda on Tuesday stopped short of connecting any dots directly to Blagojevich. Witnesses for the prosecution are expected to provide more details Wednesday.
The ousted governor has pleaded not guilty to charges that he schemed to get a hefty campaign contribution or a high-paying job in return for an appointment to the U.S. Senate seat that Barack Obama vacated after being elected president. He also has pleaded not guilty to plotting to launch a racketeering scheme.
His brother, Robert Blagojevich, 54, of Nashville, Tenn., has pleaded not guilty to taking part in a plot to sell or trade the Senate seat and scheming to pressure the racetrack owner.
If convicted, Blagojevich could face up to $6 million in fines and a sentence of 415 years in prison, though many factors would be considered.