Case of ousted Ill. governor goes to jury

“I’m not expecting’’ a speedy verdict, Judge James B. Zagel said.

After jurors left to begin their work, Blagojevich appeared relaxed. He cupped his hand over his mouth and said to someone in the spectators’ section, “Say a prayer.’’ A senior citizen walked over, hugged him, and handed him a piece of candy.

Blagojevich, 53, and his codefendant brother, Robert Blagojevich, 54, have rarely spoken to each other during the trial. But they stood shoulder to shoulder in front of Zagel to say they both wanted to be exempt from having to come to court each time jurors have a question for the judge.

The judge granted it.

The ousted governor has pleaded not guilty to 24 counts. He is accused of trying to sell or trade an appointment to Obama’s vacated Senate seat for a Cabinet post, private job, or campaign cash.

If convicted, he could face $6 million in fines and a sentence of 415 years in prison, though he would get much less time under federal guidelines.

His brother, a Nashville businessman, has also pleaded not guilty to taking part in that alleged scheme.

During the trial, prosecutors portrayed Blagojevich as a greedy, smart political schemer determined to use his power to enrich himself throughout his administration and who saw the duty to appoint Obama’s successor as the opportunity of a lifetime to get a lucrative and well-paying job in the administration.

By contrast, Blagojevich’s own lawyer characterized him as an insecure bumbler who talked too much and had terrible judgment about people he should trust — but never did anything to enrich himself.