Reporting with Natasha Korecki and Abdon M. Pallasch
Rod Blagojevich is giving his version of a phone call with Lon Monk where he "war-games" Monk asking racetrack executive John Johnston for a hefty campaign contribution.
In testimony, Lon Monk said Blagojevich was asking him to exchange signing a bill benefiting Johnston for the contribution. Blagojevich tells it differently.
"One has nothing to do with the other, one is not conditioned on the other," Blagojevich said he was telling Monk in the call. "Again, be careful, follow the law, don't cross any lines."
When Monk calls Blagojevich back to tell him he had the conversation with Johnston, Blagojevich says "Good." Goldstein asks what that means.
"Good," he testifies. "Sounds like you didn't cross any lines."
At that, two prosecutors smile widely, their heads bouncing.
As Goldstein moves to change subjects, Judge James Zagel stops him and looks like he's dismissed the jury for the day -- Fridays are usually an off day for them. Lawyers just went back to Zagel's chambers.
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