Blagojevich jurors ask for transcript of deputy gov's testimony

As they try to end their stalemate, jurors in the Rod Blagojevich corruption trial spent Monday afternoon reviewing the testimony of former Deputy Gov. Bradley Tusk, but ended their 13th day of deliberation without reaching a verdict.

The six-man, six-woman jury requested a transcript of Tusk's testimony Monday morning, following a three-day weekend, and it was given to them by Judge James Zagel.

During the trial, Tusk testified that Blagojevich planned to hold up $2 million in grants to a Chicago school in then-U.S. Rep. Rahm Emanuel's district until the congressman's Hollywood agent brother held a fundraiser for the former governor.

Tusk also testified that he refused to relay that message to Emanuel, now President Obama's chief of staff, because he thought it was both "illegal" and "unethical."'

The school eventually got the money, but it was dispersed slowly, and a fundraiser was never held, Tusk also testified.

Rod Blagojevich is charged with 24 counts that include racketeering, wire fraud, bribery, extortion and conspiracy. His fundraising brother, Robert, shares the counts of wire fraud, extortion and two of conspiracy. Neither of the Blagojevich brothers came to the courthouse Monday.

Last Thursday, the jury announced it had reached a unanimous decision on just two of the 28 counts against the pair and appeared knotted on the rest, without even having seriously considered the dozen wire-fraud charges.

Zagel crafted a response along with attorneys on both sides calling for the jury to continue deliberating on the wire-fraud charges - 11 against the former governor and one against his brother - in an attempt to reach a final "decision" in the case.

The two verdicts could still offer convictions for Rod Blagojevich or exoneration for Robert - or vice versa, or some combination of the two.

Deliberations resume this morning for the 14th day.