'Pope' of Illinois politics faces corruption trial

(AP)  CHICAGO — The former high school teacher-turned-mega millionaire cozied up to successive Illinois governors from both parties, while staying in the shadows and rarely speaking publicly. But so powerful was he behind the scenes that he was referred to in awe as The King of Clout and the pope of Illinois politics.

The enigmatic William Cellini, 76, will step into the limelight Monday when his corruption trial starts. He's accused of trying to shake down the Oscar-winning producer of "Million Dollar Baby" for a campaign contribution to Rod Blagojevich, and his trial is the last in a series stemming from a decade-long investigation of the former Democratic governor.

Blagojevich was convicted at retrial earlier this year of trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama's old Senate seat. Two trials revealed the ex-governor as charismatic and full of braggadocio but lacking discipline. He seemed to bumble his way through his job and now, at 54, is broke and about to be sentenced to prison.