AP -- A buzz swept through the Senate chambers when President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, revealed Gov. Rod Blagojevich's surprise request to make a statement at Thursday's impeachment proceedings.
By making his own closing statement instead of testifying under oath, Blagojevich avoids taking questions from senators and the impeachment prosecutor.
Sen. Dan Cronin, R-Elmhurst, called it "cowardly, but consistent with the way he has governed."
Despite the slim odds Blagojevich faces, one of his few friends in the Senate scoffed at the idea of the governor using the statement to announce his resignation. It's just as likely senators will see the Easter Bunny hopping through the Capitol, said Sen. James DeLeo, D-Chicago.
"I think he wants to be heard," DeLeo said.
A Blagojevich spokesman agreed.
"I don't think he's going down there to resign, I think he's going down to make his appeal to the senators," Guerrero said.
Blagojevich repeatedly has said he won't resign. But he also said he wouldn't take part in the trial.
[Jan. 28: Blago's Trial: Prosecution Rests]
