Blagojevich trial, Sam Adam Jr threatened with contempt, Key witnesses not called

I am not certain if this is part of some preordained script but I agree with Blagojevich attorney Sam Adam Jr., the government should have called Tony Rezko and Stuart Levine to the witness stand.

From the Chicago Tribune July 26, 2010.

“Following his dispute with the trial judge, Blagojevich’s lawyer, Sam Adam Jr., walked over to the former governor and shook his hand in a way that suggested to reporters he was done representing him.
Adam then walked out of Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, leaving it in doubt whether he will return tomorrow to deliver the closing argument for the former governor.

Asked by reporters if he would be back for the closings, Adam responded, “I don’t know yet.”

Adam announced to U.S. District Judge James Zagel that he wouldn’t follow the judge’s order barring him from arguing that the government didn’t call some key witnesses to point the finger at the former governor. Adam wants to be able to tell the jury that they weren’t called because they would have been helpful to Blagojevich.

Zagel threatened to hold him in contempt of court if he proceeded, and Adam said he would take that risk.

“I’m willing to go to jail for this, your honor,” Adam said loudly. “I cannot follow your order on this.”

Having that door closed makes it impossible for him to effectively represent Blagojevich, Adam said. He said he should be able to argue that the government could have called witnesses such as fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko, political insider Stuart Levine and Blagojevich’s general counsel, William Quinlan.”

Read more:

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/blagojevich-on-trial/2010/07/blagojevichs-lawyer-sam-adam-jr-will-not-be-arguing-today-to-the-jury-after-all-following-a-tiff-with-the-judgeadam-ann.html