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 The jury sent federal Judge James Zagel a note on Monday morning
requesting trial transcripts from the testimony of former Deputy
Gov. Bradley Tusk. The judge granted the request but noted that
Tusk's testimony was not particularly "earth shattering."
Tusk, who served as Blagojevich's No. 2 during his first term,
testified that the ex-governor often neglected governance --
including signing laws -- in order to focus on fundraising. But
Tusk's most hard-hitting testimony portrayed a governor looking to
play tough, even if it meant shaking down state players for cash.
The former deputy governor said he refused alleged Blagojevich
orders to halt a $2 million grant to a charter school backed by then
Illinois congressman Rahm Emanuel. The ex-governor was allegedly
trying to barter the grant for a fundraiser with Emanuel's brother,
Hollywood talent agent Ari.
The alleged plot is tied to several charges, including racketeering,
extortion and bribery.
The grant eventually was released -- without a fundraiser. Tusk said
he was still "disgusted" by the ordeal.
Zagel previously rejected the jury's request on July 30 for the
entire trial transcript. He left the jurors the option to ask for
specific portions of transcript, an option they did not exercise
until Monday.
The jury, now in its 13th day of deliberations, revealed on Thursday
it had reached a unanimous decision on only two of Blagojevich's 24
charges. Members were deadlocked or undecided on 11 of the counts
and had yet to consider another 11. The jury will return to
deliberations on Tuesday.
[Illinois
Statehouse News; By BILL McMORRIS]
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