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Casinos want Blago lawsuit sent to trial judge

Four casinos want the judge presiding over 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'll discuss the idea with Judge Matthew Kennelly, who is presiding over the lawsuit.

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