CHICAGO- Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich will go on trial, for the second time, April 20, 2011.  That’s four months later than was originally planned.

Blago’s attorneys, Sheldon Sorosky and Aaron Goldstein, had asked for a delay because they said they needed more time to prepare.  The original defense team went from five senior lawyers, two junior lawyers, a bunch of paralegals and legal assistants for the first trial…to just two lawyers and maybe a paralegal, for the re-trial.  The flamboyant Sam Adam and Sam Adam junior are out.  The legal team was reduced because Blago is broke, which means taxpayers will have to come up with the cash for his defense.  Judge James Zagel is limiting that cost by only allowing the two attorneys.

It may seem to the public like the same trial all over again for Blago, accused of trying to sell Barack Obama’s former senate seat, but even judge Zagel agreed that “its a different universe” this time, because lawyers learned some new tricks from the first time around and may choose to call different witnesses.

The first trial garnered national attention, as Blago, who made his way around reality shows and talk shows, was found guilty on only one of 24 counts related to trying to sell an Illinois senate seat.  That one count was for lying to the feds about it.

If the trial had started in January, as originally planned, it would’ve been ongoing during Chicago’s mayoral election…and that could effect mayoral candidate Rahm Emanuel, said defense attorneys.  Emanual’s name came up a few times during the first trial because Blago met with him to discuss possible candidates for Obama’s former job.  Its possible Emanuel could be called as a witness this time around.  ”We haven’t decided yet” Sorosky said.

Sorosky seems to already be starting the pro-Blago campaign.  After today’s hearing Sorosky went before the cameras and started talking by saying “First of all I think we should recognize what a good governor Rod Blagojevich was”.