Blago Retrial: Daily Journal 5/25

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11:58 a.m.: Trial resumes at 2 p.m.

11:31 a.m.: Emanuel leaves the Dirksen Federal Building.

11:25 a.m.: Emanuel already done, just five minutes on the stand. The government declined to cross examine. [Read more here ...]

11:20 a.m.: Mayor Rahm Emanuel takes the stand.

11:13 a.m.: Jackson also said that in a second meeting, he saw Blagojevich again. As the governor was walking out, he addressed Jackson.

"In classic Elvis Presley style, he snapped both fingers, looked back at me and said, 'Should have given me that $25,000,'" Jackson testified.

During court recess, Blagojevich called part of the testimony "baloney." [Read more here ...]

11:02 a.m.: Two agents with dogs walk through the overflow area.

11 a.m.: During a meeting in D.C., Jackson said he asked Blagojevich about a possible job in government administration for his wife, Sandi. She did not get it.

10:57 a.m.: Jackson said that in 2002, he was asked by Dan Lipinski to contribute $25,000 to Blagojevich's campaign for the governor. Jackson said he told him, "no chance."

10:41 a.m.: Defense finishes with Jackson after just 12 minutes on the stand.

10:35 a.m.: Jackson denies he offered fundraising for Obama's Senate seat.

10:27 a.m.: Jury enters. Jackson walks in wearing a dark gray suit and takes the witness stand.

10:24 a.m.: Blagojevich is alone at the defense table writing furiously. He appears to be going through a big binder of transcripts, taking many notes.

10:01 a.m.: "Jackson will testify that he never offered campaign contributions for the Senate seat," says Blagojevich's attorney Aaron Goldstein.

9:59 a.m.: The defense confirms that Emanuel and Jackson will be the first two witnesses called.

9:48 a.m.: Blagojevich comes up to spectators in line and shakes their hands.

9:33 a.m.: Jonathan Jackson just entered the courtroom, where his Congressman brother will testify.

9:32 a.m.: The 25th floor at the Dirksen Federal Building is a mob scene as dozens of journalists and court watchers wait for Blagojevich's defense to begin.

7:57 a.m.: Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. is in the Federal Building and gave spectators a small wave outside the courtroom on the 25th floor.

7:30 a.m.: About 35 spectators already are lined up to sit in on the trial.

What To Expect Today:

If all goes according to defense plans (and these plans have changed abruptly in the past), Mayor Rahm Emanuel, on just his ninth day in office, is expected to be the first defense witness. [Read more of Ward Room writer Phil Rogers' pre-court coverage right here ... ]

Previous Journals:

Thursday, May 19, 2011 -- Blago To Testify