Digital News Report- Governor Rod Blagojevich called another press conference today to discuss the recent events surround the Senate seat scandal. He has been accused of trying to sell Barack Obama’s vacant Senate seat, among other questionable actions. He eventually appointed Roland Burris to the seat. On January 9th, the House voted 114-1 to impeach him. His trial is set for Monday.
Governor Blagojevich expressed a desire to be at the trial, however due to the rules, he is “not [allowed] to participate in that process.” He called the rules “gross violations” of the law and particularly pointed out two that he felt was unfair to him. Rule 15F prevents him from calling in witnesses and rule 8B gives importance to certain documents above testimony. He asked editorial boards to urge the senate to change the rules.
He described the entire ordeal as a “struggle between [him] and the system.” He again placed the blame on the state legislature and painted himself as a victim who fights “for the little guy.” He again claimed “I have done nothing wrong.”