Blagojevich pushes for permission to use campaign money for legal defense in corruption case

Blagojevich lawyer asks OK to tap campaign fund

CHICAGO — Ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has made a fresh plea for permission to tap campaign funds to help pay legal expenses in his corruption case.

Attorney Sheldon Sorosky argued Friday before U.S. District Judge James Zagel that a huge volume of evidence requires extra legal help for an effective defense.

Zagel made no decision and told Sorosky and the government to return to court May 11.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to corruption charges, including allegations he tried to profit from filling President Barack Obama’s Senate Seat.