Rezko Guilty - Obama Saddened

[Trish]

Rezko convicted of corruption



By Bob Secter and Jeff Coen, Tribune staff reporters
3:07 PM PDT, June 4, 2008
A federal jury today convicted developer Antoin "Tony" Rezko of corruption charges for trading on his clout as a top adviser and fundraiser to Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

Rezko's guilty verdict on 16 of 24 corruption counts could have broad repercussions for Blagojevich, who made Rezko a central player in his cabinet. It could also prove a political liability for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, who once counted Rezko as a friend and fundraiser, as the likely Democratic presidential nominee heads into the general election campaign against Republican John McCain.

The 10-woman, two-man jury deliberated for parts of 13 days before convicting Rezko of scheming with Stuart Levine, a longtime Republican insider, to extort millions of dollars from firms seeking state business or regulatory approval.

The jury convicted Rezko of 12 counts of wire and mail fraud, two counts of money laundering and two counts of aiding and abetting bribery. He was acquitted of attempted extortion.

Clad in a light olive suit and red tie, Rezko showed little emotion as the verdicts were read. Sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sept. 3. On Wednesday afternoon, Rezko voluntarily surrendered himself to federal custody.

"Mr. Rezko on his own decided that if he was convicted, he wanted to immediately begin serving his sentence," said his lawyer, Joseph Duffy, who added he was going to file a motion to appeal the verdict.

"We are obviously very disappointed in the jury's verdict today," Duffy said. "We strongly believe in Mr. Rezko's innocence, as does he."

The verdict was hailed by Better Government Association executive director Jay Stewart.

"This is a pretty significant victory for the prosecution," Stewart said. "It is another chapter in the sad history of Illinois government where our tax dollars, our public institutions were manipulated or attempted to be manipulated by insiders for their own benefit.

"I don't think this is the 'no more business as usual' we were promised when Rod Blagojevich became governor back in 2002. This does not reflect well on [Blagojevich]."

Levine, who pleaded guilty in 2006, became the government's star witness. He testified that in return for kickbacks, Rezko rigged decisions of two state boards on which Levine sat.

But the defense attacked Levine as a drug-addled con man who dodged a life sentence by inventing tales of illegal activity involving Rezko. His lawyers also questioned Levine's memory after decades of abusing cocaine and crystal methamphetamine.

In their closing arguments, prosecutors urged jurors not to disregard Levine's testimony just because they found him offensive. Government wiretaps and other witnesses backed up Levine's account of conspiring with Rezko, prosecutors contended.

Testimony at the trial produced a series of stunning allegations of misconduct that went well beyond the scope of the criminal charges against Rezko.

Former state official Ali Ata told jurors he bought his post with bribes to Rezko and campaign contributions to Blagojevich. Ata was also one of several witnesses who said Rezko talked of a plot to kill the criminal probe against him by pulling strings with the Bush White House to get U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald fired.

The trial also provided ample fodder for cynics who see Illinois politicians as members of a cozy club motivated more by greed than altruism or ideology.

Witnesses against Rezko claimed his alleged schemes involved a host of political insiders from both major parties. Among those whose names came up repeatedly during the trial were Chris Kelly, another top fundraiser for Blagojevich; William Cellini, a veteran Republican power broker; and Robert Kjellander, the longtime Republican national committeeman from Illinois.

Rezko befriended many Illinois politicians and was a major fundraiser for some, most prominently Blagojevich and Obama. The criminal charges against Rezko had nothing to do with his connection to Obama. But that link still proved a nagging headache for Obama during his Democratic presidential run, especially in the wake of Tribune revelations that tied Rezko to a 2005 real estate deal involving Obama's South Side home.

The verdict poses problems that are far more acute for Blagojevich, who swept to victory in 2002 with claims that he would clean up Illinois government after the scandal-plagued years of his predecessor, George Ryan, who is now in prison.

Several trial witnesses placed Blagojevich in conversations in which he appeared to give a thumbs-up to the notion of steering lucrative state business to campaign donors.

Blagojevich's administration has come under broad scrutiny from federal agents, but the governor has not been charged with any wrongdoing and steadfastly maintains his commitment to reform.
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-rezko4-2008jun04,0,3596610.story

[Trish]

Obama ‘Saddened’ by Rezko Verdict (http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/04/obama-saddened-by-rezko-verdict/)

by FOXNews.com
Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Barack Obama issued a statement Wednesday responding after former fundraiser Tony Rezko was found guilty on 16 counts in his corruption trial in Chicago.
Rezko was convicted on fraud and money-laundering charges in federal court. Obama was not accused of any wrongdoing.
Obama: “I’m saddened by today’s verdict. This isn’t the Tony Rezko I knew, but now he has been convicted by a jury on multiple charges that once again shine a spotlight on the need for reform. I encourage the General Assembly to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent these kinds of abuses in the future.”



http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/06/04/obama-saddened-by-rezko-verdict/

[Alonzo]

Obama will soon issue a proclamation that he never knew Rezko. He'll then reach into his pocket, pull out some pixie dust (lint in anyone else's pocket), sprinkle it around, and it will be so.

[Trish]

Senator Obama's friends and associates sure seem to have a way of "changing" without him being aware of the change. First we had Rev. Wright and now Tony Rezko - both of whom seem, from the Senator's own statements, to have turned out to be people far different than the Senator believed them to be. If the Senator was so mistaken in the character of these two people with whom he had such long and close associations, it begs the question of just why we're supposed to trust he has the ability to make accurate determinations about the character of anyone or anything.

But I suppose that he can sell his house and that will "prove" that the transaction was above approach, just as leaving his church was supposed to "prove" that he really didn't know or approve of the messages delivered there by Rev. Wright. Yep....that pixie dust sure is powerful stuff!

[Buck Laser]

Obama will soon issue a proclamation that he never knew Rezko. He'll then reach into his pocket, pull out some pixie dust (lint in anyone else's pocket), sprinkle it around, and it will be so.
No, Zo...that's the republican tactic. Obama will and has distanced himself from the people in his background who might embarrass him.

The fact is that everyone in public life has some embarrassing acquaintances. Inevitably, some will pop up unexpectedly, and the opposition will try to realize whatever advantage they can. So fare as I can see, Obama has done better than any politician in my memory in dissociating himself believably and promptly.

[AlanC]

The fact is that everyone in public life has some embarrassing acquaintances. Inevitably, some will pop up unexpectedly, and the opposition will try to realize whatever advantage they can. So fare as I can see, Obama has done better than any politician in my memory in dissociating himself believably and promptly.

Let me guess, Buck, you are nearsighted, right?

Obama has only distanced himself from past friends when forced to because they became a public embarassment to him. And even then, he claimed some miraculous naivite at just who they were.

You may well find that believable but I think you will find you are in the minority with that opinion. Even some of his most ardent supporters can see what he is doing and admit it.

[Buck Laser]

Let me guess, Buck, you are nearsighted, right?

Obama has only distanced himself from past friends when forced to because they became a public embarassment to him. And even then, he claimed some miraculous naivite at just who they were.

You may well find that believable but I think you will find you are in the minority with that opinion. Even some of his most ardent supporters can see what he is doing and admit it.
Alan, just because all of Alan believes that Rezko is gonna be a big problem doesn't mean that a majority of the people do. All it means is that you're praying as hard as you can that maybe something can bring Obama down. :dork:

As to my vision: I'm nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in the other. Go figure.

[Alonzo]

No, Zo...that's the republican tactic. Obama will and has distanced himself from the people in his background who might embarrass him.

The fact is that everyone in public life has some embarrassing acquaintances. Inevitably, some will pop up unexpectedly, and the opposition will try to realize whatever advantage they can. So fare as I can see, Obama has done better than any politician in my memory in dissociating himself believably and promptly.

I don't think he did a good job distancing himself from Wright and trinity church. It took Wright personally going after him to get a good response, and his break with the trinity church read as if he was doing it to save them.

[PostmodernProphet]

Obama will soon issue a proclamation that he never knew Rezko. He'll then reach into his pocket, pull out some pixie dust (lint in anyone else's pocket), sprinkle it around, and it will be so.

soon?....from the post preceding yours...

This isn’t the Tony Rezko I knew.....I would consider you prophetic if you had been a bit quicker.....:clapper:

[AlanC]

Alan, just because all of Alan believes that Rezko is gonna be a big problem doesn't mean that a majority of the people do. All it means is that you're praying as hard as you can that maybe something can bring Obama down. :dork:

As to my vision: I'm nearsighted in one eye and farsighted in the other. Go figure.

Well I'm sorry for the pun about your vision. Sometimes I just can't help myself. :love: Ive not heard of that before, though I am nearsighted myself. Well at least until I start messing with my blood sugar, but that is a whole different conversation.

But as to the point, I don't think it is just me that sees some pretty crass political manuvering going on with Obama. There have been a few of his supporters even here that have admitted he is a politician when it comes to telling the truth or saying things he thinks people want to hear.

[suedanim]

oh goody! Another Obama bashing thread... :ecstatic:

[AlanC]

oh goody! Another Obama bashing thread... :ecstatic:

Get used to it. If you get your way, you will be seeing them for the next 5 yeaars at least. :innocent:

[suedanim]

Get used to it. If you get your way, you will be seeing them for the next 5 yeaars at least. :innocent:

Thats fine. Just prepare yourselves for rebuttal. :evil:

[AlanC]

Thats fine. Just prepare yourselves for rebuttal. :evil:


Aha, and better than what has been done so far, I hope. :dork:

[Elrathin]

But as to the point, I don't think it is just me that sees some pretty crass political manuvering going on with Obama. There have been a few of his supporters even here that have admitted he is a politician when it comes to telling the truth or saying things he thinks people want to hear.

You mean like the political maneuvering McCain did only AFTER Hagees Hitler comments? lol

[AlanC]

You mean like the political maneuvering McCain did only AFTER Hagees Hitler comments? lol

As far as I am concerned, tossing an endorsement under the bus is a great deal different than tossing "friends" under the bus. But, that is just me.

[Wndrtch]

Obama: “I’m saddened by today’s verdict. This isn’t the Tony Rezko I knew, but now he has been convicted by a jury on multiple charges that once again shine a spotlight on the need for reform. I encourage the General Assembly to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent these kinds of abuses in the future.”

LOL!

Sound familure?

Rev Wright

"The person that I saw yesterday was not the person I met 20 years ago

Who else does he know, but not-know? Is this going to be the excuse IF the Michelle tapes come out, Hmmm?

Maybe Bush should come out and say, "The Rummy that managed the war, is not the Rummy I knew..."

[Elrathin]

As far as I am concerned, tossing an endorsement under the bus is a great deal different than tossing "friends" under the bus. But, that is just me.

And how is Obama's comments throwing a 'friend" under the bus? Oh yeah it isn't. lol

I'm just curious how much of a friend this guy was? I mean I occasionally talk to a guy I knew about 20 years ago, but we are noway near the friends now that we were back then. Does that mean he all of a sudden becomes my best buddy when he does something illegal? No.

[Truth_and_Power]

Anybody spot a policy debate? I heard there was an election and I just assumed there would be a policy debate somewhere.

[AlanC]

And how is Obama's comments throwing a 'friend" under the bus? Oh yeah it isn't. lol

See Wndrtch's post. Hes my friend of 20 years, but he's not the man I knew. That thumping noise you just heard is the first body as the campaign bus rolls over it. Rezko helped my buy my house, but now that hes convicted, he's not the man I knew...thump number two. Aryes is just some one I served on a committee with, I find his actions detestable, thump number three.

You won't get a lot of milage out of comparing him to McCain with me because I have already stated that McCain is a liar and a political whore. There is nothing you can say that upsets my image of the man.

But you seem to have an unreal image of Obama and that can lead to some discouragement if you actually start seeing him through the same prisim you view everyone else with.

[AlanC]

Anybody spot a policy debate? I heard there was an election and I just assumed there would be a policy debate somewhere.

Sure, lets talk about the Trillions in new taxes and spending both of these idiots will add to the Federal Budget if they are elected and actually are able to implement a fraction of their stated agendas.

[Elrathin]

But you seem to have an unreal image of Obama and that can lead to some discouragement if you actually start seeing him through the same prisim you view everyone else with.

Not really, as I've said before I'm not excited about this election in the least. I'm just saying all these people associated with Obama that have done bad things are all of a sudden his best buddies to conservatives and Obama Haters. That's the unrealistic part.

I have my problems with Obama, but I think he's better than McCain will be.

[Wndrtch]

Not really, as I've said before I'm not excited about this election in the least. I'm just saying all these people associated with Obama that have done bad things are all of a sudden his best buddies to conservatives and Obama Haters. That's the unrealistic part.

I have my problems with Obama, but I think he's better than McCain will be.

And how is that any different from how Dems hung Mark Foley or Larry Craig around all Republicans?

Sorry man, your soapbox is rather small.

[AlanC]

Not really, as I've said before I'm not excited about this election in the least. I'm just saying all these people associated with Obama that have done bad things are all of a sudden his best buddies to conservatives and Obama Haters. That's the unrealistic part.

I have my problems with Obama, but I think he's better than McCain will be.


Well then tell me El, how many strangers would you invovle yourself with in the purchase of your home? Especially a home you couldn't especially afford and one to which the stranger is going to buy the land that allows you access to it?

Or how many strangers or even casual aquaintences do you envision yourself inviting into your home, stating in your book what an inspiration they are, inviting them into the inner circle of your campaign for the presidency?

Its not speculation that makes these people his friends and CLOSE associates, its his own statements and actions.

How do you see Obama as being better than McCain? If he constantly has to disown those who have been closest to him by saying he never really knew them, what sense is it that tells you he can negotiate the international waters and actually know who he's dealing with?

[Buck Laser]

Get used to it. If you get your way, you will be seeing them for the next 5 yeaars at least. :innocent:

That's reassuring, Alan. You've already conceded the election to Senator Obama, it seems. And while all that bashing will prolly annoy me no end, I expect in to hurt Obama about the way it hurt Clinton. So get yourself cranked up for nine years of smashing yourself bloody!:madlaugh::clapper:

[Elrathin]

And how is that any different from how Dems hung Mark Foley or Larry Craig around all Republicans?

Sorry man, your soapbox is rather small.

Ah the old "Well you guys did it" excuse. So then since you believe Larry Craig and Mark Foley to be typical Republicans than right? I think it is you who needs to check your soapbox lol.

[Elrathin]

Well then tell me El, how many strangers would you invovle yourself with in the purchase of your home? Especially a home you couldn't especially afford and one to which the stranger is going to buy the land that allows you access to it?

Ever hear of a realter?


Or how many strangers or even casual aquaintences do you envision yourself inviting into your home, stating in your book what an inspiration they are, inviting them into the inner circle of your campaign for the presidency?

There are lots of famous people that I would consider an inspiration, that doesn't mean were personal buddies.


Its not speculation that makes these people his friends and CLOSE associates, its his own statements and actions.

I'll remember that next time a conservative tries and discount all the personal ties that Bush has to Saudi Arabia and Dick Cheney with Haliburton.


How do you see Obama as being better than McCain?

McCain's plan is stay the course. After 8 years of that bullshit, enough is enough.

[AlanC]

Ever hear of a realter?

Not one that would buy half my house for me, no.



There are lots of famous people that I would consider an inspiration, that doesn't mean were personal buddies.

I see you skipped over the part about having them into your home and making them part of your personal campaign team. But I can see why you would.


I'll remember that next time a conservative tries and discount all the personal ties that Bush has to Saudi Arabia and Dick Cheney with Haliburton.

Since when did you ever let that stop you. And thanks for the parallel. If the Dems were as concerned about Obama's friends as they have been those of Bush and Cheney, they would have dumped him themselves, long ago. If they were being honest that is.



McCain's plan is stay the course. After 8 years of that bullshit, enough is enough.

Again, you left out the important part of that question which was this...
If he constantly has to disown those who have been closest to him by saying he never really knew them, what sense is it that tells you he can negotiate the international waters and actually know who he's dealing with?

So that makes you a one issue guy then? Because that is about all that McCain has in common with Bush. Well that and support for amnesty and open borders..but then Obama agrees with Bush on those two items as well, doesn't he?

[4Reaganomics]

Not one that would buy half my house for me, no.

The government would buy you more than half a house as long as your unproductive, not a realtor though