By KWMU/IPR
Springfield, IL – Governor Rod Blagojevich has decided to address the Illinois State Senate on Thursday, what could be the final day of his impeachment trial. Senate president John Cullterton, a Chicago Democrat, made the announcement before the trial's prosecutor called his last witness.
"I've been informed that the governor would like to come here tomorrow and ask leave of us to file an appearance," Cullerton said.
Blagojevich has until now boycotted the trial, instead going on national media shows to rail against what he calls a "rigged process." His appearance on Thursday will be in the form of a closing statement, which will not allow Senators to question him. But the prosecution will make its own closing statement and have a chance to rebut the governor's. Senators are expected to begin deliberations after the closing statements, meaning a vote to remove the governor from office could come the same day as his appearance.