Washington Post Editorial Writers Side with Blagojevich Lawyers
The Washington Post is in agreement with lawyers for Rod Blagojevich on at least one point.
In an editorial published today, the Post says the former Illinois governor should not be retried. According to the Post, Blagojevich’s conviction on just one count was “an extraordinary rebuke” to U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who 20 months before had said Blagojevich was on a “public corruption crime spree” that would make Abraham Lincoln roll over in his grave.
Says the Post, “Despite having extensively taped the expletive-loving governor as he discussed ways to secure campaign cash, the government failed to convince a jury that Mr. Blagojevich had crossed the fuzzy line between sleazy politics and outright corruption.”
Fitzgerald “took his shot and lost,” the newspaper says. “He should stand down before crossing another fine line—the one that separates prosecution from persecution.”
Related coverage:
Associated Press: ‘Some jurors glad Blagojevich will be tried again”
