Ed Genson, the chief defense attorney for the scandal-plagued Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, announced Friday that he would not be representing Blagojevich in his state Senate impeachment trial. In announcing his pull out from the case, Genson hinted that the governor refused to take note of his counsel.

The prominent Chicago defense lawyer, Genson had been heading Blagojevich's defense team within a few days of the governor's December 9 arrest on federal corruption charges, including his alleged attempt to trade the Senate seat, vacated by President Obama, for personal benefit.

Genson had represented Blagojevich for the period of proceedings, in the Illinois state House, which resulted in the governor's impeachment.

Without disclosing much about his decision to withdraw, all that Genson told the reporters was: "I never require a client to do what I say, but I do require them to at least listen to what I say. ... I wish the governor good luck."

Going by the Chicago Tribune reports, the reason Genson cited for his withdrawal was his inability to call witnesses or to discern the identities of some parties in supposed schemes, made Blagojevich's defense nearly impossible.

The candid Blagojevich on Thursday had called the Senate trial "a sham," and embarking on a 'public relations' battle asked Illinois newspapers to publish editorials to urge the Senate to change its trial rules. In addition, the impeached governor will appear on "Good Morning, America" and "The View" on Monday.