Wherever impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich goes these days, there is a usually a media frenzy that follows. Today was no exception. Blagojevich appeared in federal court for the first time in almost a year to enter his plea to a new revised federal indictment against him. Blagojevich pleaded not guilty specifically telling Judge James Zagel, “I enter a plea of innocent on each and every charge.” The only other time Blagojevich spoke during court was when the judge asked him if he was taking any medications, Blagojevich said he was not.
The new revised indictment, filed more than a week ago, adds 8 new charges against Blagojevich: racketeering (1) attempted extortion(2) and bribery (2), bribery conspiracy (2) and extortion conspiracy (1). This new superseding indictment is federal prosecutors way of enhancing the corruption charges against Blagojevich. Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell President Barack Obama’s US Senate seat to the highest bidder, among other alleged pay to play schemes.
On his way into the federal building today, Blagojevich, dressed in a dark suit and blue tie, shook a few hands before going through security with his attorneys. He reached out to hug one woman in the lobby after she told the former Governor, “I’m praying for you, praying for you.”
Before his arraignment started, Blagojevich could be seen chatting up his defense team and joking around with one of his three attorneys. The arraignment lasted less than 10 minutes, afterwards, Blagojevich made a prepared statement to reporters downstairs in what’s known as the “bull pen” area of the lobby, the only place where cameras are allowed in the building.
Blago’s statement to the media is below. He did not entertain questions but maintains (as he has since he was arrested in December 2008 )he is innocent and has nothing to hide. His trial is scheduled to start June 3rd.
The following is a statement from Rod Blagojevich following his arraignment in federal court where he plead ‘innocent’ to the charges. This statement also was made after this lawyers file a petition with the court so that all the secretly recorded tapes are played.
“Today I’m throwing down the gauntlet. I know I have a constitutional right to try to suppress these tapes. And as a former prosecutor I believe there’s a good chance that it would probably be granted. Here’s what I’m not going to do: I’m not going to hide behind my lawyers, nor will I hide behind technicalities in the law to try to block these tapes from being heard. Instead, I’ve instructed my lawyers to petition the court so that every second, every minute and every hour that the government secretly taped me is provided to both sides to be played in court. And I challenge the government if you’re on the side of truth and justice like you say you are and if this is a crime spree like you claim it was, then don’t hide behind technicalities. Play the tapes. Play the truth, and play the whole truth.
“I’m not just talking the talk here. I’m also going to walk the walk, which is right up to the witness stand. And when I take the stand, I’ll testify and swear on the Holy Bible to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. I expect and, more importantly, I believe the people of Illinois expect and deserve that the government does the same.
“Play the truth, and play the whole truth. Play nothing but the truth. Play the tapes.”