The impeachment panel is awaiting the results of a Monday federal court hearing at which U.S. Atty. Patrick J. Fitzgerald will ask a federal judge for permission to allow covert recordings into the impeachment process. The recordings are focused on allegations that Blagojevich tried to cut a deal to sign horse-racing legislation in exchange for contributions.
The panel probably would wait only two or three days for the judge to release the recordings, said Rep. Lou Lang, a Democrat and a member of the impeachment panel.
A new General Assembly is sworn in Jan. 14, and Sen. John Cullerton, the Democrat who will assume the Senate presidency, said that if the state House impeaches Blagojevich, his Senate trial will begin immediately. "You can't have a black cloud of an impeachment trial hanging over the legislative session," Cullerton said.
A two-thirds vote would be required to convict Blagojevich, removing him from office.
Meanwhile, Burris' attorney, Tim Wright, sent a letter Friday to Senate Democratic leaders, saying: "I encourage you and your Senate colleagues to grant the people of the state of Illinois the full representation afforded them under the U.S. Constitution."
If the Senate won't seat Burris, Wright said, he will go to federal court in Washington to try to force them to do so.
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rlong@tribune.com
jchase@tribune.com
