And Rod Blagojevich's denials are flying.

He addresses Lon Monk's contention that he, Blagojevich, Chris Kelly and Tony Rezko met to discuss how to make money off of state deals.

"I never had a conversation in California, where I talked about I might make money off of state action with those guys, never ever," Blagojevich said.

His lawyer, Aaron Goldstein asks: "Did you take cash from Tony Rezko?"

Blagojevich: "No."

Monk testified he had taken $70,000 to $90,000 in cash from Rezko without Blagojevich's knowledge.

Blagojevich has gotten several warnings from Judge James Zagel to stay on point. He's giving narrative, detailed, sometimes rambling answers to questions.

In front of jury, Zagel looks right at Blagojevich when he tells him to listen to the questions. The ex-governor looks right back at him: "Yes, judge."

At another point, Blagjoevich is rambling again.

Prosecutor Reid Schar stands up, saying nothing.

"Sorry. I'm sorry, judge," Blagojevich says, cutting himself off.

On a break, Zagel tells Blagojevich -- and his lawyer, Aaron Goldstein -- that the narrative is risky. He tells Goldstein to step up.

It's "for the benefit of your client to ask questions quickly," Zagel said, noting that if politicians hear dead air, then tend to fill it. "Because he's pretty much giving you the chance to ask him another question."