State Sen. Matt Murphy , part of the nine-member committee that put the Senate trial rules together , has said U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald asked both sides to `` defer to the criminal prosecution '' of Blagojevich and `` limit witnesses . '' State senators heard recorded phone calls about horse - racing legislation . Governor absent from trial , holding interviews with media outlets . Court also heard testimony from FBI agents who wrote letters . Defense attorney has asked both sides to ` ` defer to criminal prosecution ''
State senators heard recorded phone calls about horse - racing legislation . Governor absent from trial , holding interviews with media outlets . Court also heard testimony from FBI agents who wrote letters . Defense attorney has asked both sides to ` ` defer to criminal prosecution ''