Reporting with Natasha Korecki and Dave McKinney
Prosecutors have finished their first round of cross-examination of Rod Blagojevich, and Judge James Zagel is discussing the trial's next steps in a sidebar with lawyers now.
Defense lawyers told Zagel last week that Blagojevich would not be their last witness, but it's unclear what will happen next and whether the defense will question Blagojevich again on a redirect examination.
Prosecutor Reid Schar finished up questioning of Blagojevich with allegations Blagojevich was hoping to trade the Senate seat to Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. in exchange for campaign contributions.
Blagojevich walked off the stand looking sullen and pensive. He headed straight to his wife, Patti, for a few words. Then they slip into a side room with the defense team, while prosecutors stay seated at their table in the courtroom.
I have yet to find a politician (Democrat or Republican) who doesn't regularly make political deals. Blago was just stupid enough to do the same on the phone without knowing it was being tapped.