Prosecutor: Blago 'Sold Out the Trust' of People

CHICAGO – A prosecutor has told jurors during opening statements at Rod Blagojevich's corruption retrial that, as governor, Blagojevich "sold out the trust of the people of Illinois" and tried to "shake people down."

Chris Niewoehner spoke to jurors after a jury was picked Monday. The defense is expected to address jurors later in the day.

Niewoehner began by saying a selfish and increasingly in-debt Blagojevich was desperate to make money in 2008.

The prosecutor told jurors Blagojevich decided "to use his power to solve his problem -- to do what was best for him." He also highlighted allegations Blagojevich tried to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat.

Blagojevich has denied any wrongdoing.