Former top aide resumes testimony in corruption trial of ousted Ill. Gov. Blagojevich

By Mike Robinson, AP
Thursday, June 10, 2010

2nd day of testimony begins in Blagojevich trial

CHICAGO — A one-time chief of staff for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has picked up where he left off at the governor’s corruption trial, talking about alleged moneymaking schemes he, Blagojevich and others concocted.

Key prosecution witness Alonzo Monk is expected to explain Thursday how a racetrack owner was allegedly pressured for a hefty campaign contribution.

Monk described Wednesday how an inner circle including himself and Blagojevich sketched out moneymaking plans shortly after Blagojevich became governor. He testified that some were written on an easel as the four sat around a conference table.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to trying to profit from his power to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama and squeezing people for campaign contributions.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CHICAGO (AP) — A one-time chief of staff for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has picked up where he left off at the governor’s corruption trial, talking about alleged moneymaking schemes he, Blagojevich and others concocted.

Key prosecution witness Alonzo Monk is expected to explain Thursday how a racetrack owner was allegedly pressured for a hefty campaign contribution.

Monk described Wednesday how an inner circle including himself and Blagojevich sketched out moneymaking plans shortly after Blagojevich became governor. He testified that some were written on an easle as the four sat around a conference table.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to trying to profit from his power to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama and squeezing people for campaign contributions.

YOUR VIEW POINT
NAME : (REQUIRED)
MAIL : (REQUIRED)
will not be displayed
WEBSITE : (OPTIONAL)
YOUR
COMMENT :