Judge denies Blagojevich's request to subpoena Obama in corruption case

A federal judge has denied former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's (D) request to subpoena President Barack Obama to testify at his corruption trial.

The ex-governor, who was removed from office last year and has been banned from ever holding office in Illinois again, wanted Obama to speak about his conversations with convicted real estate mogul and former donor Tony Rezko, as well as other details about his involvement in the charges against Blagojevich.

"The testimony of the president is not material to this case," U.S. District Judge James Zagel said Friday in issuing the ruling, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Zagel said he could revisit his ruling if Blagojevich's defense team provides more evidence during the trial, which is set to begin at the beginning of June.

Blagojevich is charged by federal authorities with attempting to use his office for personal gain and for attempting to sell Obama's former Senate seat after he was elected president in 2008.

Blagojevich's defense lawyers said in a filing last week that "President Obama has direct knowledge to allegations made in the indictment. In addition, President Obama's public statements contradict other witness statements."

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