Illinois governor hires a courtroom bulldog

[December 16, 2008]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich has turned to one of Chicago's best known lawyers to defend him -- a legendary courtroom bulldog whose roster of clients includes rock star R. Kelly and Canadian-born press lord Conrad Black.

Blagojevich's decision to retain Ed Genson -- a tough, wry attorney known for charming juries with his down-to-earth manner -- had been widely expected for days. Making his hiring official Monday, the never-shy Genson wasn't bashful in knocking the government's case against his new client.

"He's not stepping aside. He hasn't done anything wrong," Genson said about 45 minutes after Blagojevich and his wife, Patti, left the attorney's office following a third day of hours-long meetings.

Genson, who often blames the media for overhyping cases, did so again.

"I think this is another one of those cases where the press has taken control," Genson said. "The case is not what it seems. And when it comes to pass, you'll see that it's not what it seems and you'll find that he's not guilty."

Blagojevich, 52, faces federal fraud and bribery charges, including allegations of a scheme to profit from his power to appoint a replacement for the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

Blagojevich initially was represented by little-known Chicago attorney Sheldon Sorosky. But no one was surprised when the governor turned to Genson, a tough, aggressive courtroom warrior who hates to give up.

Genson is no stranger to political corruption cases and, like most defense attorneys, has lost his share.

He represented former Gov. George Ryan's top aide, Scott Fawell, who in 2006 was sent to prison for 6 1/2 years for racketeering. Genson also represented Ryan associate Larry Warner, also convicted.

In less recent history, U.S. Rep. Mel Reynolds, D-Chicago, for all Genson's efforts to save him, was convicted in August 1995 of having sexual relations with an underage campaign volunteer.

One of Genson's biggest wins came in the case of former state Sen. Miguel Santiago, D-Chicago. The Cook County treasurer and another official pleaded guilty to giving Santiago a no-work, no-show job on the county payroll. Santiago was acquitted in January 1999.

Genson's most spectacular victory came at the trial of R&B singer R. Kelly, who was accused of having sexual relations with an underage girl. He was acquitted of all charges.

Genson didn't fare as well at last year's Conrad Black trial. Genson and a team of other attorneys got Black off on many of the charges against him. But the one-time press baron had to go to prison for 6 1/2 years anyway for pocketing money belonging to shareholders.

Genson, who uses a wheelchair because of a neurological ailment that affects his hip, is a graduate of Northwestern University law school. But he got his first taste of criminal law as a boy, trailing his bail bondsman father through the city's tough, gritty police courts.

At an age when other boys were reading Dr. Seuss books, Genson was thumbing through trial transcripts in the back of his father's office. He dreamed of becoming a lawyer and never wanted to do anything else, he says.

[Associated Press; By MIKE ROBINSON]

Associated Press writer Michael Tarm and photographer Michael S. Green contributed to this report.

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