Rod Blagojevich's attorneys remain mum on their much-anticipated witness list, but at least one potential witness says he's prepared to talk if called.
"I'm ready if asked to testify," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said Monday during an unrelated news conference.
Emanuel has been subpoenaed along with congressman Jesse Jackson Jr., White House advisor Valerie Jarrett, Sen. Dick Durbin and Majority Leader Harry Reid. But that doesn't mean any of them will be called.
The government alleges that Blagojevich delayed a promised grant to a northwest side school in an attempt to force then-congressman Emanuel to facilitate a fundraiser through his wealthy brother. On cross-examination, the defense showed that the school did get its money without the fundraiser ever being held.
As of last week, prosecutors had not received a bona fide list of who else to expect in the witness box besides Blagojevich. And even plans to put Blagojevich on the stand could change.
For those who are summoned to testify, timing may be key. Judge James Zagel said Friday he would work around the schedules of some witnesses and might even curtail testimony some days this week if it is difficult to get some of them into court.
"They’re all prominent people, with difficult schedules and activities," said defense attorney Sheldon Sorosky.
