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Chicago, IL – Testimony has wrapped up for the week in in the corruption trial of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Testimony this week concluded with the jury hearing from a former Blagojevich donorwho scored a job leading a state agency.
Ali Ata said he took a check for $25,000 to a meeting with the governor in 2003 and Blagojevich brought up the possibility that he might get a job with the state.
Ata said he donated another $25,000 a year later. After that, he was named executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority.
The ex-governor's attorney, Sam Adam, Jr, asked Ata several times whether Blagojevich ever told him he needed to contribute to get the state job.
Ata repeatedly said no.
The trial resumes Monday in downtown Chicago. Blagojevich's attorney is scheduled to continue questioning Ata.
Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to plotting to launch a racketeering scheme using the powers of the governor's office.
Blago Sandwich on the Menu
At the cafeteria in the courthouse where the impeached governor is being tried for corruption, a blackboard menu on Thursday offered a sandwich special: "The Innocent aka Blago."
Blagojevich himself could be heard talking about it as he entered the courtroom after an afternoon break. He said with a smile that it was "an accurate and truthful" sandwich.
He didn't say if he had sampled the sandwich, which is made with turkey, Swiss cheese, pesto mayonnaise, avocado and spinach.
Judge James Zagel didn't address the issue in court. But he's likely to be unhappy. The building's sole eatery is frequented by judges, attorneys and even jurors in Blagojevich's case.
Thanks to Illinois Public Radio and the Illinois Associated Press