Ata's role on the stand was akin to damage control after Rezko's defense team shot gaping holes in the credibility of Stuart Levine, the government's drug-addled and memory-challenged star witness.

The message to jurors was this: Even if you can't stomach Levine, here's another insider who says Rezko ran a shadow government under Gov. Rod Blagojevich and was unafraid to use his clout for personal gain.

The reporter for the Chicago Sun Times paints a more favorable portrait for the Government.

Ata has proven to be a key witness for the prosecution, testifying that Rezko held vast power in the governor's administration and shook him down for cash.

But yet another reporter for the Tribune says Rezko's lawyer scored points discrediting Ata's testimony on cross-examination. More from the Chicago Daily Herald.

Rezko's lawyers seem to be feeling pretty good about their chances. Originally, they said the defense portion of the case would take weeks. Then days. Now, it's down to "an afternoon, or possibly a day and a half."

Even though testimony will wrap up Tuesday or Wednesday, the judge will not be going directly into closing arguments. There are jury instructions to go over and she has set closings for May 12.

Still, with the prosecution resting Monday and the defense as early as Tuesday, Rezko may become national news for a a few days.