Chicago newspaper columnists dueled Thursday over whether embattled Gov. Rod Blagojevich could employ an insanity defense to fight corruption allegations. Federal prosecutors this week charged the two-term Democratic Illinois governor with attempting to auction off the U.S.

By Joseph Ryan jryan@@dailyherald.com Transit officials turned up the heat on feuding lawmakers Thursday with the threat of union walkouts that would shut down buses and trains next year if taxes aren't raised. "We are about at wits' end," said Rick Harris, head of the CTA's rail union.

By Kartikay Mehrotra SPRINGFIELD - With the salty taste of last year's contentious session still fresh on lawmakers' palates, they make the trek back to Springfield today hoping the 2008 legislative session bears more fruit than the last.

Blagojevich always intent on being a hero GOV. ROD BLAGOJEVICH just can't help inserting himself into the spotlight as the hero.

* WHY? To consider changes recommended by Gov. Rod Blagojevich to a Chicago-area mass transit funding bill. He wants seniors to get free rides on public buses statewide. * IF THEY APPROVE? The mass transit systems will get a badly needed influx of cash to avert service cuts and fare increases.