Make no mistake about it... this is in reality a trial of the Chicago political machine...




and the tentacles are FAR reaching...

AP article

Corruption trial of former Gov. Blagojevich begins

CHICAGO – The corruption trial of Rod Blagojevich began Thursday, 18 months after authorities arrested him at home one morning and accused him of trying to sell the Senate seat that President Barack Obama had vacated for the White House.

A smiling and relaxed-looking Blagojevich had arrived at federal court with his wife, Patti, and stepped into a gantlet of about 30 waiting cameras and reporters. He hugged supporters and thanked them on his way into the courthouse. That included a group of women with signs, including May Farley, 78, of Elmhurst, who held a placard saying, "Rod's not cuckoo. Rod's not guilty."

"I feel great," said Blagojevich, who denies any wrongdoing. "The truth shall set you free," he told one well-wisher as he shook the man's hand.

Patti Blagojevich thanked supporters for helping them through a tough time.

"But today is a good day because today is the day that begins the process to correct a terrible injustice that has been done to my husband, our family and to the people of Illinois," she said. "My husband is an honest man. And I know that he is innocent."....

"We're here, we're ready to start and God willing we will prevail," Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky said earlier....

The 53-year-old has pleaded not guilty to 24 counts including racketeering, wire fraud, attempted extortion and bribery.... The former governor also is charged with plotting to turn his administration into a giant moneymaking operation with profits to be divided between himself and a circle of advisers and fundraisers after he left office. If convicted, Blagojevich faces a maximum of 415 years in prison and fines totaling $6 million.

This is going to produce a very interesting 3 months... and likely produce a great deal of sweat by many politicians... as well as the White House.

Joined in prayer for our nation.

xtnyoda, shalomed