SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Legislative prosecutor David Ellis has just given his rebuttal to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s speech today before the Illinois Senate impeachment trial.

“I can’t give a speech like the governor,” said Ellis, referencing Blagojevich’s impassioned presentation this morning in his attempt to keep his job. “ . . . When the cameras are on and he thinks people are listening, the governor does give a pretty good speech. But I want to talk about Rod Blagojevich when he’s off camera.”

In his eight-minute rebuttal, Ellis reminded senators that Blagojevich — whose speech repeatedly referenced his policies aimed at helping children and the poor — is accused by federal prosecutors of threatening to withhold state funding from a Chicago children’s hospital if he didn’t get a big political donation from the hospital’s executive director.

He’s also accused of trying to squeeze a horse racing track owner for a donation in exchange for signing legislation friendly to the industry, and of plotting to personally benefit from his power to name a replacement to President Barack Obama’s vacant U.S. Senate seat.

Ellis also reminded senators that Blagojevich boycotted his own impeachment trial until today, going on national talk shows to complain about the process and finally appearing in Springfield only for closing arguments, thus avoiding any cross-examination or questions.

He talked more about the evidence with Barbara Walters on The View than her did here” in the Senate chamber, said Ellis. “As always, the governor plays only by the rules he chooses.”

He concluded, to the senators: “I think the people of this state have had enough. They’re looking to you now.”

The chamber is on a one-hour break. They will return at 2:15 today to begin deliberations. A final vote today is possible.