Chicago - The trial of Governor Rod Blagojevich will begin June 3, U.S. District Judge James Zagel decided Wednesday, turning down a request for a delay from Blagojevich's attorneys.

Attorneys for Blagojevich had asked to push back his corruption trial to November.

His lawyers said they needed more time to look at new charges, which were filed last month to avoid any trouble if the Supreme Court rejects the "honest services" law in the original case.

The judge said nothing Supreme Court does should affect the facts of the case, so there is no reason for delay. He also said that the June 3 start date should give the attorneys plenty of time to prepare their case.

Blagojevich was not in court Wednesday, as he is reportedly in New York.

Also discussed in court was whether Blagojevich could play secretly recording tapes in the courtroom. Blagojevich has been asking for the tapes to be played publicly.

The judge said that if Blagojevich takes the stand, he might be able to play tapes of his own choosing in his defense, as long as those tapes are relevant to the defense.

Blagojevich has pleaded not guilty to charges in allegedly attempting to sell Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat.

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