Ill. powerbroker trial on track to start soon

The trial of a one-time fundraiser for ousted Gov. Rod Blagojevich remains on track to start soon despite a possible scheduling conflict with Blagojevich’s own sentencing.

Judge James Zagel said Friday at a status hearing for William Cellini that jury selection in his would begin Oct. 3. That’s just three days before Zagel is scheduled to sentence Blagojevich for multiple corruption convictions.

The 76-year-old Cellini pleaded not guilty to trying to shake down a Hollywood producer for campaign cash. Before his arrest, he was considered one of the top behind-the-scenes powerbrokers in Springfield.

Zagel gave no hint Friday about whether he might delay Blagojevich’s sentencing. A defense attorney raised the issue but Zagel interrupted him and said he’d deal with the matter later.