No verdict in Blagojevich corruption case

CHICAGO, July 28 (UPI) -- The federal jurors deciding the fate of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich called it a day Wednesday about 5 hours after being handed the corruption case.

The six-man, six-woman jury began its deliberations at 11:48 a.m. after listening to more than an hour of instructions from U.S. District Judge James Zagel. The panel then knocked off for the day shortly before 5 p.m., the Chicago Tribune reported.

Attorneys for the two sides said the jury will work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, the newspaper said.

In telling the jurors how to interpret the law and the charges against Blagojevich, the judge told them they are only to communicate with him in writing through the jury foreman.

In his final argument Tuesday, federal prosecutor Reid Schar told the panel to be wary of a critical element of Blagojevich's defense -- that prosecutors were trying to criminalize normal political activities and that the former governor was charged for activities politicians have done for decades, the Tribune said.

"There's no politician defense in the law," Schar said.

Among other things, Blagojevich is charged with trying to peddle President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat for personal gain. He also is accused of racketeering, corruption, extortion and lying to federal agents. He was impeached by the Illinois House and removed from office by the state Senate in January 2009.

Blagojevich's lawyer, Sam Adam Jr., said during his closing argument his client was foolish, but not corrupt.

"No one's going to say he's the sharpest knife in the drawer, but he's not corrupt," Adam said.