Old Blagojevich college pal to testify at retrial

CHICAGO (AP) — A former college buddy turned aide of Rod Blagojevich is expected to testify at the former Illinois governor’s corruption retrial.

Prosecutors say they intend to call Alonzo “Lon” Monk to the stand today.

A third week into testimony, Monk could be one of the last major government witnesses.

At the first trial, he wasn’t always an effective witness. He often seemed defensive and ill-at-ease.

Monk can address the earlier years of Blagojevich’s governorship, as well as alleged shakedowns of businessmen in 2008.

He’s claimed Blagojevich and an inner circle plotted to profit from gubernatorial decisions from the outset of Blagojevich’s first term. He told jurors last year that the plan was to split ill-gotten gains after Blagojevich left office.

Blagojevich faces 20 counts. He denies any wrongdoing.