Jury selection enters last stretch in corruption retrial of ex-Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich

[alp227]

CHICAGO — The judge in the retrial of impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich spent a third day questioning potential jurors Tuesday, including a man who had downloaded cell phone ring tones of Blagojevich’s infamous curses.

But he fell short of having a panel decided, as many candidates were excused because of financial hardship or for expressing strong opinions about the case.

About 35 people of the several dozen Judge James Zagel has questioned so far remain in the jury pool. Zagel has said he wants 40, though, before making final decisions about the 12 jurors and six alternates who will sit in the jury box.

At least part of Wednesday will be devoted to completing jury selection. Zagel said opening statements could begin early next week.

Full story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/jury_selection_enters_last_stretch_in_corruption_retrial_of_ex_ill_gov_rod_blagojevich/2011/04/26/AFzRKWtE_story.html

[former9thward]

1. This is extreme overreach by the prosecutors.

They were only able to get a conviction on one count last time despite two years of trying to poison the jury pool in Chicago. Now they are trying again to demonstrate their vindictiveness.