Jul 23, 2009 12:58 pm US/Central
Casinos Want Blagojevich Suit Sent To Trial Judge
4 Casinos Are Suing Ex-Governor For Deals Involving Campaign Money, Racetracks
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich attends a press conference for "I"m a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!" at the Langham Hotel on April 24, 2009, in Pasadena, Calif.
Charley Gallay/Getty Images
Four casinos want the judge presiding over deposed Gov. Rod Blagojevich's corruption case to take control of a lawsuit that accuses the former governor of making deals to get campaign money for signing two bills to help racetracks.
The bills have forced casinos to pay $89.2 million out of their profits since 2006 as subsidies for the racetracks.
The casinos asked federal Judge James Zagel on Thursday to take over the case, which has been assigned to another judge. They contend the civil charges are similar to those in criminal case and should be heard by the same judge.
Zagel says he will discuss the idea with Judge Matthew Kennelly, who is presiding over the lawsuit.
In the criminal case, Blagojevich is accused of scheming to sell or trade President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat and of using the political muscle of the governor's office to squeeze people and businesses for campaign donations.
Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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