Former Illinois Gov. Blagojevich says he feels ‘great’ as he arrives for corruption trial

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Blagojevich: Feels ‘great’ as he arrives for trial

CHICAGO — A smiling Rod Blagojevich says he is feeling great as the former Illinois governor arrived at federal court for the start of his corruption trial.

A relaxed-looking Blagojevich climbed out of a white sedan with his wife, Patti, at his side and wearing a dark blue pinstriped suit. He stepped into a gauntlet of about 30 waiting cameras and reporters. He said, “I feel great,” before walking over and shaking hands with several supporters on his way into the courthouse, where jury selection was set to begin.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to charges of scheming to profit from his power to fill President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat. His brother — Nashville, Tenn., businessman Robert Blagojevich — is a co-defendant and also has pleaded not guilty.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

CHICAGO (AP) — Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has arrived at federal court for the start of his corruption trial, what he says will be the beginning of the end of an 18-month ordeal.

Jury selection starts Thursday, and the federal courtroom is expected to be packed for one of the biggest political trials ever in the corruption-plagued state.

The 53-year-old Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to charges of scheming to profit from his power to fill President Barack Obama’s former Senate seat. His brother — 54-year-old Nashville, Tenn., businessman Robert Blagojevich — is a co-defendant and also has pleaded not guilty.

Judge James Zagel says he plans to question up to 34 jurors a day until a jury is seated.