Lawyer plans to leave Blago defense team

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich may be losing a lawyer.

Veteran defense attorney Allan Ackerman filed papers in federal court asking permission to withdraw, citing "philosophical differences" among the lawyers.

He didn't spell out what the differences were, but said that as a result he is "no longer able to stridently participate in the defense of the accused."

A voicemail left for Ackerman at his law firm was not immediately returned. But Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky said the departure was "all very friendly."

Blagojevich is accused of scheming to sell or trade President Obama's former U.S. Senate seat and using illegal pressure in an effort to obtain campaign funds.