May 1, 2009
Still no decision on whether Blagojevich will be allowed to use the $2M of campaign funds he has remaining. Prosecutors assert it is ill-gotten gains. That the money got him elected which allowed him to run his criminal enterprise. Seed money in a new light. Problem being he has not been found guilty of anything. Prosecutors also raised the possibility of allowing the fund to be used to pay Blago’s lawyer but at the court-appointed lawyer rate – $110/hr. The defense pointed out that there is no law in Illinois that precludes the use of campaign funds to pay for an officeholder’s legal defense. Judge Zagel said that federal law would make it difficult for Blago to use the money but will allow the defense lawyers to make their case.
Next hearing May 11.
