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Blago's Top Lawyer to Quit

'I require clients to at least listen'

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 24, 2009 7:10 AM CST

(Newser) – Rod Blagojevich’s top lawyer in his criminal case is jumping ship, the Chicago Tribune reports. He told reporters as much in a statement just after a judge ruled that undercover Blago tapes could be passed to the state legislature. “I never require a client to do what I say," said Edward Genson, who’s practiced for 44 years. "But I do require them to at least listen."

"I wish the governor good luck and Godspeed," he added. In response to a question about an apparent $500,000 payment he received from campaign cash, Genson said, “The answer to that is that it's none of your guys' business.”

Ed Genson, lead attorney for impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, talks with reporters as he leaves the federal building in Chicago, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009.
Ed Genson, lead attorney for impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, talks with reporters as he leaves the federal building in Chicago, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Ed Genson, lead attorney for impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, talks with reporters as he leaves the federal building in Chicago, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009.
Ed Genson, lead attorney for impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, talks with reporters as he leaves the federal building in Chicago, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich listens to a caller while on the air with radio talk show host Cliff Kelly at WVON radio station in Chicago, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich listens to a caller while on the air with radio talk show host Cliff Kelly at WVON radio station in Chicago, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009.   (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
Shannonals
Jan 26, 2009 2:59 AM CST
Just another lawyer looking for his 5 minutes of fame
AClotfelter
Jan 25, 2009 4:38 AM CST
c'mon... this guy looks legit............
riffran
Jan 24, 2009 11:47 PM CST
is that Michael Moore?....ok that was wrong...he he he......Lawyer left him hmmmm.....does the phrase "rats from a sinking ship" come to mind?

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