Tribune photo by Michael TerchaSenate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) (left), confers with Sen. Lou Viverito (D-Burbank) as questions are posed to Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Charleston) during Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeSen. James DeLeo (D-Chicago) listens during the deliberation period of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaGov. Rod Blagojevich arrives at his impeachment trial to make his closing statement to the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeIllinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich delivers his closing statement at his impeachment trial in Springfield. "You haven't been able to show wrongdoing in this trial, and you've denied me the chance to bring in a whole bunch of witnesses who could say I haven't done anything wrong and I've done a bunch of things right," Blagojevich said. "Imagine what would happen (to other governors)."
Tribune photo by Phil VelasquezFormer Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich returns to his house after speaking to the media and a gathering of supporters Thursday outside his Ravenswood Manor neighborhood home in Chicago.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaChief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court Thomas Fitzgerald listens to testimony during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaGov. Rod Blagojevich makes his closing statement to the Illinois Senate during day four of his impeachment trial in Springfield, Ill. Presiding over the trial is, at top, Illinois Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaOrland Park residents Ron Vezina and his neighbor Richard O'Neill (center row from left), listen to motions during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeIllinois Sen. Kirk Dillard (R-Hinsdale) makes his statement during the deliberation period in the impeachment trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeIllinois Gov. Pat Quinn talks with reporters outside the governor's office at the State Capitol in Springfield. Quinn was sworn in as governor after the Senate voted 59-0 to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaThe impeachment trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich begins its third day in the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill. Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) gaveled the Senate into session and Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald gaveled the impeachment trial back in order at 9:28 a.m.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeIllinois Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald oversees the Senate vote to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Springfield, Ill. The final vote was 59-0 in favor of his removal.
Tribune photo by José M. OsorioGov. Rod Blagojevich leaves his house in Chicago as he heads to Springfield where he will speak in his own defense at his impeachment trial.
Tribune photo by Michael Terchallinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich delivers his closing statement at his impeachment trial in Springfield. "Is it the right precedent to set to take a gov twice elected and throw him out of office when you're not able to prove criminal allegations?" Blagojevich asked. "The ends don't justify the means. An improper impeachment not based on evidence are improper ends not justified by means."
Tribune photo by Phil VelasquezIllinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich returns to his Chicago home after delivering his own closing statement in his impeachment trial before the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaIllinois House Prosecutor David Ellis (left) confers with Assistant House Prosecutors Michael Kasper and Heather Weir during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeSenators listen during the deliberation period of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaOne of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's more infamous quotes is displayed as evidence on the second day of his impeachment trial by the Illinois State Senate in Springfield.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeGov. Rod Blagojevich arrives to give his closing argument at his impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaIllinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, talks to reporters before Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial resumes for its third day in the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill. Cullerton challenged Blagojevich to stop giving national television interviews and to take questions directly from lawmakers at his impeachment trial. "If he wants to come down here instead of hiding out in New York and having Larry King asking questions instead of the senators, I think he's making a mistake," Cullerton said outside Senate chambers. "He should come here and answer the questions and provide the context that he claims these statements are being taken out of."
Tribune photo by José M. OsorioStanding on the front porch of the her home in Chicago, Patricia Blagojevich, holding daughter Annie, watches her husband, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, head off to Springfield to speak in his own defense at his impeachment trial.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeLawmakers listen to evidence during Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaIllinois Gov. Pat Quinn is greeted by his family and supporters after he was sworn in as governor in the Illinois House in Springfield, Ill. The Senate voted 59-0 to remove Rod Blagojevich from office.
Tribune photo by Phil VelasquezIllinois Governor Rod Blagojevich returns to his Chicago home after speaking in Springfield at his impeachment trial.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeThe Illinois Senate vote board shows the tally, 59-0 to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaSen. Frank Watson (R-Greenville) is sworn in as a juror during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate Monday.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaDerek Needham replaces former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's photo with incoming Gov. Pat Quinn at the State Capitol Thursday in Springfield, Ill. The Senate voted 59-0 to remove Blagojevich from office.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeSen. Frank Watson (R-Greenville) delivers his statement during the deliberation period of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial before the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by José M. OsorioIllinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is swarmed by media as he leaves his home in Chicago en route to Springfield where he will speak in his own defense at his impeachment trial.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeIllinois Gov. Pat Quinn is greeted by his family and supporters after he was sworn in as governor in the Illinois House in Springfield, Ill. The Senate voted 59-0 to remove Rod Blagojevich from office.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaIllinois House Prosecutor David Ellis asks approval for initial motions during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaGov. Rod Blagojevich makes his closing statement to the Illinois Senate during on day four of his impeachment trial.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeIllinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich delivers his closing statement at his impeachment trial in Springfield. "Is it the right precedent to set to take a gov twice elected and throw him out of office when you're not able to prove criminal allegations?" Blagojevich asked. 'The ends don't justify the means. An improper impeachment not based on evidence are improper ends not justified by means."
Tribune photo by Terrence Antonio JamesAfter having been impeached and removed from office, former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich greets supporters outside his home on the Northwest Side of Chicago.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaAssistant Illinois House Prosecutor Mike Kasper listens to the proceedings during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaHouse Prosecutor David Ellis, right, prepares to ask approval for initial motions during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate Monday, in Springfield, Ill. Assistant House Prosecutor Make Kasper is at left.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeIllinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich delivers his closing statement at his impeachment trial in Springfield. Alternately praising and upbraiding those who will decide his political fate, Gov. Rod Blagojevich urged the Illinois Senate not to remove him from office, saying he has "done absolutely nothing wrong" and "never, ever intended to violate the law."
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaDerek Needham, top, assists Dodie Stannard as they replace former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich's photo with incoming Gov. Pat Quinn at the State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. The Senate voted 59-0 to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaHouse prosecutor David Ellis gives his closing argument during day four of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in Springfield, Ill. Ellis told senators that Blagojevich wanted to raise $2.5 million by year's end and engaged in three schemes of coercion.
Tribune photo by Phil VelasquezOne of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's state executive security detail leaves the scene at Blagojevich home after the Senate vote to remove Blagojevich from office.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaSenate President John Cullterton listens to motions during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaHouse Prosecutor David Ellis, right, asks approval for initial motions during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate Monday, in Springfield, Ill. Chief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court Thomas Fitzgerald is on the president's podium.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaAnother one of Gov. Blagojevich's more infamous quotes is displayed as evidence during the second day of Governor Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial by the Illinois State Senate, in Springfield.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaQuotes from the federal wiretaps are displayed as evidence while House Prosecutor David Ellis gives his closing argument in Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeSen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) delivers his statement during the deliberation period of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaFBI Special Agent Daniel Cain (left), verifies his affidavit of voice recordings during Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaA very happy Speaker of the House Michael Madigan waits for Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn to be sworn in as governor in the Illinois House.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaComputer monitors on Senator's desks show Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaSenate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) speaks with Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) (center), during Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaHouse prosecutor David Ellis began his closing arguments in the Blagojevich impeach trial by recounting the allegations in the federal criminal charges against Blagojevich, including that he sought to sell the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama. "Every decision this governor made was based on one of three criteria," Ellis said. "The governor's legal situation, his personal situation and his political situation."
Tribune photo by Abel UribeThe Illinois Senate vote board shows the tally, 59-0 to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaIllinois Gov. Pat Quinn talks with reporters after he was sworn in at the State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. The Senate voted 59-0 to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeMembers of the Illinois Senate cheer as they voted 59-0 to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009, in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaSenators confer before the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate Monday.
Michael Tercha, baiduhaiQuotes from the federal wiretaps are displayed as evidence while House prosecutor David Ellis gives his closing argument in Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaFBI Agent Daniel Cain is sworn in before testifying during second day of Governor Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial by the Illinois State Senate.
Tribune photo by Terrence Antonio JamesAfter having been impeached and removed from office, former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks to the media outside his home on the Northwest Side of Chicago.
Tribune photo by Michael Terchallinois Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) answers questions during Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate Wednesday.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaSen. Iris Martinez (D-Chicago) talks with Sen. Jim DeLeo (D-Chicago) during a break the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaSenators confer before Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial convenes for the second day in the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaHouse prosecutor David Ellis, bottom, gives his closing argument to the Illinois Senate on day four of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in Springfield, Ill. Presiding over the trial is Illinois Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald, at top.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaIllinois State Troopers stand guard outside the Office of the Governor during the impeachment trial of Gov. Rod Blagojevich in Springfield.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaFormer Assistant Federal Prosecutor John Scully is sworn in to testify during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaPat Quinn is sworn in as governor by Illinois Justice Anne Burke, as his son Patrick Quinn Jr. holds the Bible in the Illinois House in Springfield, Ill. The Senate voted 59-0 to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaFormer Assistant Federal Prosecutor John Scully testifies during the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaChief Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court Thomas Fitzgerald surveys the chamber before convening the first day of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate Monday
Tribune photo by José M. OsorioIllinois Governor Rod Blagojevich leaves his home in Chicago en route to Springfield where he will speak in his own defense at his impeachment trial. When asked by reporters if he had anything to say, Blagojevich responded, "I'll be happy to talk to you after talking to them first."
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaSenate President John Cullterton (D-Chicago) confers with Sen. Rickey Hendon (left), (D-Chicago) during the second day of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeIllinois Gov. Pat Quinn is greeted by his family and supporters after he was sworn in as governor in the Illinois House in Springfield, Ill. The Senate voted 59-0 to remove Rod Blagojevich from office.
Tribune photo by Michael TerchaSenate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) talks to the media during a break in Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeIllinois Sen. William Delgado (D- Chicago) listens during the deliberation period of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial.
Tribune photo by Abel UribePat Quinn is sworn in as governor by Illinois Justice Anne Burke in the Illinois House in Springfield. The Senate voted 59-0 to remove Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office.
Tribune photo by Abel UribeHouse prosecutor David Ellis gives his closing argument during day four of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in Springfield, Ill. Ellis took senators through the impeachment allegations, gesturing behind him to transcripts of secretly-recorded conversation excerpts on poster board.
Tribune photo by Michael Tercha
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Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) (left), confers with Sen. Lou Viverito (D-Burbank) as questions are posed to Rep. Chapin Rose (R-Charleston) during Gov. Rod Blagojevich's impeachment trial in the Illinois Senate in Springfield, Ill.
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Guilt or innocence aside, statements attributed in the criminal complaint to Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his associates sometimes sound as though they’ve watched a few too many tough-guy movies. Here are some examples, from wiretapped conversations excerpted in the complaint:
Page 19: Blagojevich: “You stick with us and you will do very well for yourself.”
Page 30: The governor is referred to as “the big guy.”
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Page 44: During a phone call, Blagojevich’s wife can be heard in the background telling Blagojevich to tell Deputy Governor A to “hold up that [expletive] Cubs [expletive]. … [Expletive] them.”
Page 44: Blagojevich says: “Someone should say, ‘get rid of those people.’ “
Page 48: Blagojevich, referring to a Tribune official, says, “I mean, he, he gets the message, doesn’t he?”
Page 50: Blagojevich: “Be smart and stay on top of that.”
Page 63: Blagojevich says consultants are telling him to “suck it up,” and give this “[expletive] [ Barack Obama] his senator. [Expletive] him. For nothing? [Expletive] him.”
Page 73: Blagojevich tells Fundraiser A “some of this stuff’s gotta start happening now … right now … and we gotta see it. You understand?” Blagojevich continues: “You gotta be careful how you express that and assume everybody’s listening, the whole world is listening. You hear me?”