Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Don Udstuen's Second Day on the Stand at the George Ryan Corruption Trial
Three stories identified Udstuen as “a key prosecution witness.” After all, Udstuen has quoted two other members of Ryan’s inner circle as having said they would “take care of George” in illegal schemes Udstuen has first-hand knowledge of. Even though the judge will not allow Udstuen to explain what he meant, it is conceivable that one or more of the jurors have a pretty good idea of what that might mean in Illinois politics.
So, Udstuen must be discredited.
As AP put it, “Ryan's attorneys are plainly hoping jurors will believe that anyone who told as many lies as Udstuen admits cannot be trusted on the witness stand.”
Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown summarizes Webb’s defense of Ryan:
Webb is trying to make the case that Ryan didn't take any payoffs and that the testimony of most witnesses against him is suspect because they have been placed under enormous pressure to cooperate by federal investigators.
Today, Udstuen’s questioning by Ed Genson (co-defendant Larry Warner’s attorney) continues, “which could prove even rougher,” Brown writes.
To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.
So, Udstuen must be discredited.
As AP put it, “Ryan's attorneys are plainly hoping jurors will believe that anyone who told as many lies as Udstuen admits cannot be trusted on the witness stand.”
Sun-Times columnist Mark Brown summarizes Webb’s defense of Ryan:
Webb is trying to make the case that Ryan didn't take any payoffs and that the testimony of most witnesses against him is suspect because they have been placed under enormous pressure to cooperate by federal investigators.
Today, Udstuen’s questioning by Ed Genson (co-defendant Larry Warner’s attorney) continues, “which could prove even rougher,” Brown writes.
To return to McHenry County Blog, click here.
# posted by Cal Skinner : 9:01 AM
