Blagojevich campaign fund up in the air

With former Gov. Rod Blagojevich out of office, it's a good bet that the campaign cash goes out the window too - and with it, possibly, the ability to pay for his legal defense.

Blagojevich reported about $2.7 million on hand in his campaign fund as of Dec. 31.

While that might sound like a lot, legal fees rack up quickly. Attorneys for Winston & Strawn once told a federal judge they estimated their services in defending former Gov. George Ryan would have cost well over $10 million had he been able to pay.

Blagojevich's ability to tap into his campaign fund is in question. The government has sent campaign fund attorney Michael Ettinger a letter indicating they intend to freeze the fund, possibly denying Blagojevich access to it.

Ettinger said that step can't happen until the feds formally lodge charges against the campaign fund, but he and prosecutors have reached an agreement in the interim.

"There's certain agreements where certain attorneys can get retainers," Ettinger said Friday. "We're trying to work with them - and they're working with us."

But all is not lost for Blagojevich, even if he runs out of money. One attorney who is currently defending the governor, Sam Adams, Jr., told the Daily Herald he'll defend the governor for the long haul, even if he doesn't get paid.