Samuel E. Adam really likes former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
"He's a wonderful man, I'm very, very fond of him," Adam said.
Adam and his father, legendary Chicago criminal defense attorney Sam Adam, now say they are involved in talks that could make them part of the Blagojevich defense team.
The father-and-son team became fairly recognized when their courtroom theatrics captured the spotlight at the trial of R&B singer R. Kelly.
Since being charged, Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to accusations of scheming to sell or trade President Obama's U.S. Senate seat and using the muscle of the governor's office to pressure companies with state business to make campaign contributions.
Blagojevich has been represented by several lawyers along the way, including high-profile defense attorney Ed Genson, who resigned the post while hinting at fundamental differences between himself and his client.
There has been speculation for months that the two Adams would become part of Blagojevich's defense team - a team that so far hasn't taken shape, even though the ousted governor has been under indictment for months.
Although the younger Adam represented Blagojevich during his impeachment proceedings, Monday was the first time the two Adams appeared at a Blagojevich federal court hearing. They even sat among the spectators, declining to come forward when the case was called and make a firm commitment.
They said they had to talk first with Sheldon Sorosky, a Blagojevich friend who thus far is the only lawyer committed to representing the former governor.
Samuel E. Adam, known universally as "Sam Jr.," attracted the spotlight at the Kelly trial with an emotional closing argument in which he yelled, whispered, laughed and pounded on the jury box. Kelly was acquitted of all charges.
Sorosky has been saying a lack of money has been a problem in getting lawyers to join the team. But Sam Jr. scoffed at that notion.
"I'd be thrilled to be in the case," he told reporters.
"I just want enough to buy my dad a new suit of clothes," he said as his father stood nearby in his familiar rumpled state.
