Reid called as witness for Blagojevich

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CHICAGO, May 14 (UPI) -- Lawyers for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who soon goes on trial, have subpoenaed U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid as a witness, a Reid aide said.

Blagojevich is awaiting trial on corruption charges, including allegations he tried to sell the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by Barack Obama. The trial is set to begin June 3.

Jim Manley, a spokesman for Reid, D-Nev., told the Chicago Tribune lawyers for Blagojevich and his boss had been in touch.

"As a routine legal matter, Senator Reid's attorney accepted service," Manley said. "This action does not mean that Senator Reid will testify at trial."

Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., has also been subpoenaed. A federal judge rejected an attempt to subpoena President Obama.