Blago jury deadlocked

The Federal jury trying former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is deadlocked after eleven days, having made a "good faith" effort to reach a verdict, and having done so "without rancor."

An explanation of just what charges they're deadlocked on, and just how deadlocked they are, will probably be made at least to the judge anon.

Given the raw deal Blago got from the Illinois Senate, which convicted him on impeachment charges and removed him from office despite the fact that he was precluded from presenting evidence in his defense in the impeachment trial that would be used at his criminal trial, I'm personally pullng for an acquittal on all counts. Not that I have any particular brief for Blago, mind you, who is a world-class blowhard at best and a crook at worst. But for all the eagerness of the media to paint him as the latest in the long list of corrupt Illinois governors, the guy has always impressed me as more of a clown than a crook.

We'll know in coming days whether the jury sees things the same way.

ADDENDUM: It seems that the jury has agreed on only two out of 24 counts. The judge says to keep deliberating, but from here it smells like a hung jury.

HT: Real Clear Politics