Blago Jury Selection Drags Along

CHICAGO (AP) – A federal probation officer, a suburban Chicago librarian and an out-of-work maintenance man who spends his days watching “The Beverly Hillbillies” are among the prospective jurors questioned in the retrial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel continued questioning would-be jurors for the fourth day today. He said earlier in the day that jury selection is taking “relatively long” because of the high-profile nature of the case and the fact that this is the second time around for Blagojevich.

Zagel began his questioning of the probation officer by asking if she recognized him, saying he recognized her. She works out of the federal building in Chicago. Zagel estimated the court is halfway to its goal of having 40
jurors to choose from for the final panel.