Blagojevich will take stand at his own trial but take 5th if called in civil suit, lawyer says

Lawyer: Blagojevich will testify at his own trial

CHICAGO — A defense attorney for Rod Blagojevich says the former Illinois governor will take the stand at his fraud trial but claim his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination if called to testify in a $90 million civil suit.

Attorney Samuel E. Adam called The Associated Press on Friday to make it clear that he won’t shrink from taking the stand when he comes to trial starting June 3.

The civil lawsuit involves four casinos forced to pay $90 million to five racetracks under legislation signed by Blagojevich. The casinos contend he signed the bills as part of a deal to get campaign money from a track owner.

Adam’s comment comes a day after Jay Edelson, another attorney for Blagojevich, told the AP that he would take the Fifth in the civil lawsuit.

(This version CORRECTS Fifth Amendment definition in lede.)