August 14, 2009 (CHICAGO) --
A federal judge has allowed the release of almost $20,000 from former governor Rod Blagojevich's frozen campaign fund. The $19,695 owed will be used mainly for rent and legal fees. The Friends of Blagojevich campaign fund is being converted into a source of legal defense money for the former governor. It will pay the lawyers working on Blagojevich's upcoming trial on federal corruption charges.
U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel held a hearing Thursday for what amounted to a housekeeping measure.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.