The Blagojevich verdict: What happens next?

The former Illinois governor's trial has concluded with a hung jury for 23 of the 24 counts against him. Is a retrial really a good idea? 

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich speaks to the press following a verdict at his corruption trial in Chicago.
(Image credit: Getty)

The trial of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich was meant to answer questions over whether he attempted to illegally sell President Barack Obama's Senate seat. Instead, the jury's inability to give a verdict on 23 of the 24 counts of corruption — Blagojevich was convicted on one count of lying to federal prosecutors — has prompted not only a promised retrial, but many more questions. Is this a victory for the disgraced governor? Can the government build a better case at a retrial? Should there be a retrial at all? (Watch Blagojevich's response to the verdict.) Here's how pundits see the situation:

We need a retrial, with conclusive answers: The only takeaway from this mistrial, says an editorial in the Chicago Tribune, is that both sides must "do a better job" next time. These accusations are "too serious to go unresolved." We must know if our only "impeached and ousted governor is guilty or innocent." Justice — whichever way it falls — must be served.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
To continue reading this article...
Continue reading this article and get limited website access each month.
Get unlimited website access, exclusive newsletters plus much more.
Cancel or pause at any time.
Already a subscriber to The Week?
Not sure which email you used for your subscription? Contact us