Feds hit Rezko's ties to gov's office

[maddezmom]

February 27, 2008
BY NATASHA KORECKI Federal Courts Reporter [e-mail]
A day after a judge confirmed that Gov. Blagojevich is "Public Official A" in the much-anticipated Tony Rezko corruption case, federal prosecutors made clear Tuesday that at Rezko's upcoming corruption trial, they intend to delve into the indicted businessman's fund-raising for Blagojevich and his influence in the governor's administration.

According to prosecutors, as Blagojevich's campaign fund swelled, Rezko's sway over state appointments grew. Rezko's "ability to influence actions of state of Illinois officials . . . flowed from Rezko's prowess as a fund-raiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich," prosecutors said in a court filing Tuesday.

They also disclosed their first witness: Kelly Glynn, Blagojevich's former campaign finance director.

Rezko had so much say on state hiring, prosecutors maintained, that Blagojevich's onetime hiring chief, Joseph Cini, and his assistant Jennifer Thomas would meet in Rezko's office, where Rezko "provided names and information on candidates for not only state agency jobs but also vacancies on boards and commissions."


~snip~
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/814577,CST-NWS-rezko27.article

U.S. says Rezko paid his way in
Fundraising tied to high-level access in Illinois, prosecutors say

By Jeff Coen and John Chase | Tribune reporters
February 27, 2008

In their strongest language yet, federal prosecutors said Tuesday that Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration granted access and influence to Antoin "Tony" Rezko because of his prowess as a fundraiser for the governor.

Rezko's role as a key Blagojevich insider is essential to understanding how he was able to extort illegal payments and a campaign contribution from firms seeking state business, prosecutors said in a motion filed a week before Rezko's corruption trial is set to begin.

"Rezko parlayed his success in raising significant sums of money for Gov. Blagojevich into power by gaining access to high-ranking Illinois officials, being given deference in filing board and job positions, and by influencing how certain boards conducted business," prosecutors said. "At base, Rezko's power and importance flowed from his ability to raise money."


more:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-rezko27feb27,1,1976649.story

[angstlessk]

1. wait, when a democrat raises funds and gives back to the fund raiser it is called

extortion but when say, kkkarl rove does it, and becomes the MOST INFUCKINGFLUENTIAL POLICY MAKER OF ALL TIME it is just 'fund raising'? do I have that correct?