Blago's impeachment trail minus Blago.

* 2:55 pm - House prosecutor’s opening statement. 30 minutes allotted. I won’t be putting all of his statements here, but will hit a few highlights.

The purpose of impeachment is “remedial,” not punishment. It’s to protect citizens of this state.

We will not attempt to prove the elements of any particular state or federal crime. What we will do is show you that the governor “repeatedly and utterly” abused the powers of his office.

Words from the governor’s own mouth will show that the governor put his office up for sale. Agent Cain will testify that all of the statements made are true and accurate.

The governor “actively plotted” to “obtain something of value” to fill the vacant seat.

The governor’s own words, “Be careful how you say things. Assume everybody was listening…” show he knew what he was doing was wrong.

“We will ask you to convict Gov. Blagojevich because of his own words,” not anyone else’s.

“The governor has betrayed the public trust, he has violated his public oath, he is no longer fit to governor, he should be removed from office.”

End of statement.

* 3:16 pm - The Chief Justice asked whether the governor or his counsel are present. No answer, of course. Chamber at ease for a few minutes.

* 3:24 pm - Witnesses are now being called. First is John Scully, a former federal prosecutor. Much of what he says has already been covered here.
Essentially, Scully’s role is to explain how thorough the US Attorney and FBI are, and how many roadblocks they have to clear when they want to wiretap a suspect.

* 4:03 pm - From the Daily Herald’s blog, here’s one excerpt from David Ellis’ opening argument…

“The evidence will show that these words went well beyond harmless chatter or idle speculation to active plotting to personally enrich himself in exchange for official acts that the governor might take.”

“These words at times may shock you. At times they will probably disgust you.

These words will demonstrate a fundamental breach of the public trust. A violation of the governor’s oath. These words from the governor’s own mouth, not other people, not the actions of other people, not the words of other people, but from the governor’s own mouth will show that the governor put his office up for sale.”

* 4:09 pm - The Chief Justice just noted that since the goernor isn’t there, he can’t cross-examine witness Scully.

The Senate is again at ease while questions are written and submitted by Senators.

* 4:39 pm - And we’re back. There was an announcement that a question list had been submitted by the Senate Republicans.

Sen. Luechtefeld: Asked which recording devices were used on the governor. Answer: I don’t know because I wasn’t part of the investigation.
Scully: Of all the wiretaps I’ve ever been involved with, none have been found to be improper.

Lots of questions for Scully that have already been covered before.
Somebody just asked how bugs are planted in offices. Scully said even if he knew he couldn’t say, but that he didn’t know.

Scully has been excused. No redirect.

Recessed until tomorrow at 10 am. Chief Justice just said that the Senate President wishes to address the chamber and shouted “Please, be quiet!” lol

David Ellis: FBI Special Agent Dan Cain’s testimony will kick off tomorrow morning’s session, lasting past noon. Then Rep. Chapin Rose will testify, which will bring them to the end of the day.