advertisement

Blago retrial breaks early as attorney falls ill

Proceedings at former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s retrial have ended early this week after a defense attorney designated to cross-examine a star prosecution witness fell ill.

Prosecutors told the court Thursday afternoon that they had no more questions for former Blagojevich chief of staff John Harris after his third day on the stand.

The defense then told Judge James Zagel that Blagojevich attorney Aaron Goldstein was ill and had gone home. They asked if they could resume Monday. Zagel has set a trial schedule with Fridays off

He granted the request after prosecutors said they wouldn’t object.

The 49-year-old Harris is a key witness on the allegation that Blagojevich sought to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama’s old U.S. Senate seat for campaign cash or a top job.