While it seems former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich always has something to say, especially when there’s a camera around… surprisingly (and sadly for the media) he gave the silent treatment to the courtroom at his corruption trial.  Despite weeks of saying the truth would come out when he testified, he never took the stand, saying it wasn’t necessary “The government, in their case, proved my innocence”.   Defense attorneys say once they realized prosecutors were not going to call some key witnesses, including White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel, they told Blago his testimony wasn’t needed.  The defense rested its case today without calling any witnesses, which means the fate of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich could soon be in the hands of a jury.   Blago is accused of trying to sell or barter for Barack Obama’s former senate seat.

A gaggle of media cameras and Blago fans lined up along the metal gate outside the federal courthouse today…the largest I’ve seen since the trial began 6 weeks ago.  “Give em’ hell Rod!” and “Go Rod go!” were yelled out by supporters as Blago walked by.  He stopped to sign autographs twice today; the first time was during a break in court proceedings, for a group of regulars who show up everyday, the second time was when he walked out of the courthouse.  After a few minutes, Blago’s wife Patti grabbed his hand and pulled him to the waiting vehicle.

A double decker bus passed the courthouse filled with tourists, one of whom made everyone on the bus turn to look when he said “hey, that’s where that Blago guy with the hair is on trial!”

Blago, who was arrested by the feds in December 2008, says the biggest lesson he’s learned from this trial, is that he talks too much.   Closing arguments are expected Monday morning.  Based on what we’ve heard from defense attorneys Sam Adam and Sam Adam junior so far, it could be a very dramatic.

Click here for comments from Rod Blagojevich to the media after the defense rested today: {VignetteVideo assettitl=”Blago+presser%3A+defense+rests” id=”312D542CE7EAF016DB2B157CF22C57D0″ width=”375″ aspectratio=”1.77″ height=”211″ autoplay=”off” }