Is Blago Cutting a Deal With Fitzgerald?

Is Blago getting ready to cut a deal? If prominent criminal defense attorney Terry Gillespie joins Blago's defense team that could be the case. The Chicago Tribune reports:

Prominent criminal defense attorney Terence P. Gillespie may join former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's legal team, a move that would guarantee Blagojevich at least one solid, battle-hardened veteran defender.
The idea is being explored but no decision has been made, people informed about the discussions told The Associated Press Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the talks are confidential.

Gillespie declined to comment when reached by telephone late Monday.

He recently represented former Chicago alderman Edward R. Vrdolyak, who was fined $50,000 and placed on five years' probation last month after pleading guilty to a scheme to get a $1.5 million payoff in a real estate deal.

He also defended former Cicero town President Betty Loren-Maltese, who was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2003 after being convicted of racketeering for swindling the town of $12 million.

Veteran defense attorney Sam Adam also has figured prominently in the still-evolving Blagojevich team but has not filed a formal appearance in the case.

Known for his fiery courtroom oratory, Gillespie is the law partner of Edward M. Genson, who resigned as Blagojevich's chief defense counsel in a disagreement with the former governor.

Just a reminder,Ed Genson usually tries his cases while Gillespie might cut a deal.