Prosecutor tells jurors ex-Illinois Gov. Blagojevich tried to shake down Obama, lied to FBI

Prosecutor: Blagojevich guilty of shakedown scheme

CHICAGO — A federal prosecutor is detailing Rod Blagojevich’s alleged schemes as part of closing arguments in the ex-governor’s corruption trial.

Prosecutor Chris Niewoehner says jurors heard Blagojevich try to shake down then-president-elect, Barack Obama, for a job in exchange for appointing an Obama friend to his U.S. Senate seat.

He says they heard Blagojevich trying to get a $100,000 campaign contribution in exchange for signing a racetrack bill and trying to shake down a children’s hospital for another contribution.

And, he says, Blagojevich lied to the FBI about the alleged schemes.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty in an alleged scheme to sell Obama’s old Senate seat and plotting to illegally pressure people for campaign contributions.

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

CHICAGO (AP) — Federal prosecutors have begun closing arguments in the corruption trial of ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

It’s their last pitch to jurors after a seven-week trial that’s been littered with names like Barack Obama, Rahm Emanuel and Jesse Jackson Jr.

Prosecutors, Blagojevich’s lawyer and an attorney for his co-defendant brother are squaring off for what could be up to eight hours of closing arguments.

Monday’s main showdown will be between two methodical prosecutors and the ousted governor’s fiery defense attorney.

Blagojevich and his brother, Robert Blagojevich, have pleaded not guilty in an alleged scheme to sell the Senate seat Obama gave up when he was elected president, and plotting to illegally pressure people for campaign contributions.