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Blagojevich Donor to Be Arraigned

Later this morning, another person with ties to Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will be arraigned in federal court.

Ali Ata was indicted last week in connection with Blagojevich friend and fundraiser Tony Rezko.

Chicago Public Radio’s Ben Calhoun reports.

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Ata’s indictment is significant because it adds another connection between ongoing federal investigations and the governor.

It also adds charges and pressure to the case against Blagojevich-fundraiser, Tony Rezko.

Ata was a major campaign contributor to the governor, putting tens of thousands of dollars into Blagojevich’s campaign fund.

Later on, the governor appointed Ata to head the Illinois Finance Authority.

Federal prosecutors allege Ata used that position to facilitate millions of dollars in fraudulent loans for Tony Rezko.

More specifically, it’s alleged that Ata forged a document to help Rezko get fraudulent loans.

Ata is scheduled to be arraigned at 10:30 this morning.

I’m Ben Calhoun, Chicago Public Radio.

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