Ex-Illinois official says he got job from Blagojevich after making $50,000 campaign donation

Blagojevich witness says he got job after donating

CHICAGO — A former Illinois state finance official says he got his job from Rod Blagojevich after contributing $50,000 to the former governor’s campaign.

Ali Ata, former executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority, testified during Blagojevich’s corruption trial Thursday.

Ata said he took a check for $25,000 to a meeting with the governor in 2003 and Blagojevich brought up the possibility that he might get a job with the state.

Ata said he didn’t get his job with the finance authority until he donated another $25,000 a year later.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to plotting to launch a racketeering scheme using the powers of the governor’s office.