Blagojevich to take stand Tuesday

Rod Blagojevich will take the stand Tuesday in a Chicago courtroom. The former Illinois governor will testify in his own defense in his ongoing corruption trial. It's unclear what political damage his testimony could do to the White House.

The Obama administration, up to now, has largely been able to avoid becoming entangled in the judicial spectacle that grew from Blagojevich's alleged attempt to sell President Obama's Senate seat to the highest bidder. Observers expected a parade of administration officials — and possibly the president himself — would be called to testify. That hasn't happened.

Even White House adviser Valerie Jarrett — one of Obama's potential replacements — is now "highly unlikely" to testify in the case. But a lawyer for Blagojevich said White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel is still slated to take the stand, although not this week.