The Rod Round Up

Chicago Tribune: Trial overshadows swearing-in
Blagojevich opens Senate, a.k.a. his jury

By Rick Pearson and Ray Long | Tribune reporters
10:41 PM CST, January 14, 2009

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich invoked Abraham Lincoln's wartime plea of "malice toward none" Wednesday as he opened a new session of the Illinois Senate, which immediately began preparations for an impeachment trial that could remove him from office.

Making his first visit since his Dec. 9 arrest at his Chicago home on federal corruption charges, the Democratic governor found a Statehouse he had traditionally disdained preparing to move beyond his tenure. There was little of the bombast that has dominated since Illinois became a national political spectacle, but the day was full of twisted imagery reflecting a dysfunctional state government.

Blagojevich was not introduced as he entered the hushed legislative chamber to preside over the inauguration of the new Senate. He clapped as he introduced various dignitaries, including his would-be successor, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn.
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Mark Brown in the Chicago Sun-Times: Impeachment trial will be like no other

State Journal Register (SJR): Trying time at Capitol

Bernard Shoenburg in the SJR: Seeing governor before body that will try him was striking