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Blago Juror Candidate: He Can't Get Fair Trial

CHICAGO (CBS) -- As jury selection continues in former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's corruption trial, one woman who was excused from the pool believes many of those called for duty already have their minds made up.

Newsradio 780's John Cody got an exclusive interview with Michelle Bruning, who believes Blagojevich can't get a fair trial. She said many potential jurors talked about the case--even though they were told not to discuss it during the selection process.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's John Cody Reports

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"Sitting in the room with other potential jurors, they all had a very strong opinion on him," she said. "Even though we were asked not to speak about it to each other ... so many people would walk in there after their interview and say, 'Oh he's guilty already.' "

"When you have an opinion of something, you can't turn it off right away."

Despite what she saw and heard, she wants to believe the system is fair.

"However, this case is a little bit different," Bruning said. "This is the second time up now to bat on trial."

"You would like to say you hope they would be [fair], but unfortunately I don't know they will be fair to him, because he's been in the media so much."

Many potential jurors did tell Judge James Zagel that they did have opinions of Blagojevich, but believed they could set those views aside.

Bruning, 25, is a part-time promotions worker for CBS Radio's US 99 and a substitute teacher.

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