Rahm Emanuel expected to testify in Blago trial

[WestVirginiaRebel]

ABC News:

May 24, 2011 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Sources tell ABC7 that Mayor Rahm Emanuel is expected to testify Wednesday in the corruption trial of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich.

The Blagojevich defense team has turned over its witness list to the government, and while neither side is disclosing who is formally on it, the mayor's office confirmed Tuesday that Emanuel will be a defense witness.

Former Barack Obama chief of staff Emanuel was subpoenaed in the first Blagojevich trial but was never called when the defense rested without calling a witness.

Emanuel figures in two parts of the Blagojevich case, one involving the alleged sale of the Obama Senate seat, and the ex-governor's alleged shakedown of a North Side school. Emanuel is not on any tape played in court, but witnesses have testified regarding the Senate seat that Emanuel merely passed along the president elect's recommendations for a Senate replacement and that the then-incoming Obama administration would be appreciative if Blagojevich were to honor one of those recommendations.

The Blagojevich defense team has been coy and cagey regarding who it intends to call. Numerous sources have already said that the ex-governor will himself testify -- at least that is the plan at present.
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Rahmbo's coming...