The FBI wiretaps that kicked off the Governor’s impeachment proceedings were played in public for the first time yesterday in the Illinois Senate trial. Excerpts include a conversation between the governor and his brother about Balmoral Park racetrack president John Johnston.

U.S. Attorney Pat Fitzgerald says he believes Blagojevich intensified his fundraising at the end of last year to avoid new ethics rules that would restrict donations. Prosecutors have also said Blagojevich threatened not to sign legislation providing casino-generated revenue to Johnston’s racetrack unless he got his donation. 

The Illinois Senate impeachment trial continues today.