CNN joins Trib to ask for Blago documents

CHICAGO, June 23 (UPI) -- Lawyers for CNN are seeking access to sealed material in the case of impeached Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.

The motion filed in federal court in Chicago requests access to sealed documents and wiretaps, citing the First Amendment.

The Tribune reported the motion follows its own motion to unseal some material in the case involving Blagojevich and co-defendant William Cellini, a fundraiser for both major parties accused of trying to shake down money for the former Democratic governor.

The CNN motion said the public has a right to all material unsealed so far in what is "perhaps the single biggest political corruption scandal in Illinois history," the Tribune reported.

Among other things, the former governor is accused of trying to trade an appointment to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama for personal gain.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel, who oversees the case, is expected to hold hearings on both the Tribune and CNN motions this week, the Tribune said.