Blago's Laywers Want Campaign Cash For Legal Fees

Attorneys representing former governor Rod Blagojevich and his brother asked a judge yesterday to lift a restraining order, allowing them access to a $2.3 million campaign fund to pay for the ex-gov's legal fees. The attorneys claim they can prove that the money is in no way tainted and should therefor be accessible. Prosecutors in the case oppose the move, asking instead that the defense attorneys be paid at the same rate as public defenders, which is between $110 and $115 an hour. Meanwhile, with lawyers fleeing Blago's case like rats off a sinking ship, criminal defense attorney Allan A. Ackerman, who is known for defending many organized crime cases, told the AP he's been asked to join the Blago legal team. [Tribune, Sun-Times, WBBM]