Blagojevich Weaves Warner Anecdote into Appeal

Thu, January 29, 2009 - 2:46 PM

During a somewhat rambling appeal for acquittal, Gov. Rod Blagojevich included an anecdote about his first meeting with Virginia's Sen. John Warner.

The Illinois governor made his first appearance in his impeachment trial before the Illinois Senate, which may vote later today as to whether the embattled governor will get to keep his job. Blagojevich was indicted last month for allegedly attempting to sell President Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat.

Blagojevich recalled how, while serving in the House of Representatives before he was elected governor, he was awed to serve on a conference committee with people like Sens. Ted Kennedy, John Glenn and John McCain.

"And John Warner," Blagojevich said, "who, incidentally, had once been married to Elizabeth Taylor. That's all I could think about when I saw him in that room."

Warner, apparently, was not equally awed by Blagojevich.

"And then he asked me for a cup of coffee because he thought I was a staffer," Blagojevich said. "And I didn't tell him I was a Congressman. Instead I went and asked him, 'How do you take it?' And he said, 'Black.' And I went and got him the coffee. I saw him the following week, and he asked me for another cup of coffee. He obviously forgot I was a Congressman."

-- Mark Young