Star attorney to take stage at Blagojevich trial

By MIKE ROBINSON and MICHAEL TARM Associated Press Writers

CHICAGO (AP) - It promises to be a dramatic day in the corruption trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Lawyers will use their objections first thing Tuesday to whittle down the pool of jurors and seat a jury. Then prosecutors and defense attorneys will go straight into opening statements.

Defense attorney Sam Adam Jr. is known for his theatrical - and successful - defense of R&B star R. Kelly two years ago. He'll deliver the opening for the ousted governor.

The judge has told Adam he can have only an hour and 45 minutes for his statement. Lead prosecutor Reid Schar warned he'll be on watch for any remarks the judge has ruled out of bounds.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama's former Senate seat.