Rezko Ties to Governor Edgar and President GW Bush Too
We keep hearing about Antoin “Tony” Rezko’s fraud trial in the Illinois newspapers. Nearly every article mentions that Rezko was a major fund raiser for Governor Blagojevich and Sen. Barack Obama, always with the caveat of course, “While Rezko’s fundraising for Obama has been briefly mentioned in the trial, the charges against him have little, if anything, to do with the presidential contender, who has been accused of no wrongdoing.”
One article, back in February I believe it was, went so far as to repeat that statement three different times.
To my knowledge the fact that former Illinois Republican Governor Jim Edgar also had Rezko as his fund raiser, has been mentioned only once and that was only briefly mentioned in one sentence at the end of that article.
If these reporters were completely fair, they’d report the fact that many other well known political people were helped by this man. Such as Carol Mosley Brown and Bill and Hillary Clinton during Carol’s campaign years ago.
Others were Comptroller Dan Hynes, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn.
According to a recent story, Rezko may have donated as much as $250,000 to Obama's many campaigns over several years. I would like to point out a relatively unknown fact. Rezko also co-chaired a mega million-dollar fund-raiser for President George W. Bush in 2003.
My point in all this is, why may I ask, are Sen. Barack Obama’s name, and yes, even Governor Rod Blagojevich’s names being the only ones mentioned during these reports, and why are they mentioned not just once, but many times throughout the articles?
If neither candidate has been accused of wrongdoing, why are ‘their’ names being repeated, when others are not?
If their names are brought up during the trial, then of course report those facts. But if their names were not mentioned, do not.
I would hope that if a report includes the names of Rod Blagojevich or Barack Obama, then it is only fair to include the names such as Jim Edgar, Carol Mosley-Braun, Dan Hynes, Lisa Madigan and Pat Quinn. It would especially be interesting to note that because of the money involved, President George W. Bush’s name should also be mentioned in relations to Rezko.
I’m sure those in the ‘know’, can come up with even more names, both Democrat and Republicans. These I mentioned were found by simply googling on the Internet.
how to talk to a foreinor,my engish is poor,and want find a friend online.
April 6, 2008 11:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
is there any one can respond me?
April 6, 2008 11:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, it looks like you are trying to get somewhere with your English. I'm sure it is as confusing to you as most Asian languages are to me.
April 7, 2008 12:45 AM | Reply | Permalink
Interesting information, Connie.
I think you should consider reposting this again if it falls off the list. Giving us a jump start by linking your resource hits will make it easier for others to forward elsewhere.
April 7, 2008 12:00 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thanks, insightful post.
April 7, 2008 12:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
I'm not familiar enough with Zell's politics to scream "conspiracy", so instead, I'm going to wonder how many of the people who aren't being regularly mentioned are currently holding or seeking office?
April 7, 2008 1:15 AM | Reply | Permalink
The Rezko trial isn't on hold. Levine, the drug addicted main witness for the prosecution has been on the stand for the last week. Other prominent names who sought to influence IL state boards include just about every major state politician in Illinois.
Here's an example of the way, rightly or wrongly, it works and the way it's always worked:
Thomas Beck is the former chairman of the State Health Facilities Planning Board. The State Health Facilities Planning Board has life or death power over hospital projects, which promise to bring in enormous profits for companies that get it's permission to build.
Democrat Beck said he was a cousin of Chicago's longtime 47th Ward committeeman Ed Kelly, but was first appointed to the planning board in the early '90s by Republican Governor Jim Edgar at the recommendation of then-State Senate President Republican Pate Phillip. Beck said he was re-recommended by Phillip and re-appointed by Republican Governor George Ryan. When Democrat Rod Blagojevich was elected in 2002, Beck told the jury he gave fundraiser Rezko $1,000 for the governor's campaign chest and was re-appointed chairman of the board. Beck also told the jury that one of his best social and family friends is Jeffrey Ladd, the Republican former Metra chairman, who now calls himself a healthcare lawyer. Ladd testified under immunity Thursday that he frequently represented hospital companies in front of Beck's planning board. With no mention of possible conflicts, Ladd acknowledged his social relationship with Beck while at the same time expressing concern that Tony Rezko had too much influence on matters involving the hospital companies Ladd represented. Republican Ladd testified he was frustrated by Rezko's influence that he asked his Democrat buddy Beck if he knew a consultant he could hire to fix things. Beck testified he recommended cousin Ed Kelly, the old 47th Ward Democratic powerbroker.
April 7, 2008 11:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
As a Chicagoan, take my word for it: Rezko threw money at everyone. EVERYONE. Oddly enough, he got precious little for it.
He got nada from Obama. Nothing at all.
April 7, 2008 11:51 AM | Reply | Permalink
What the HECK are you talking about?
The actual STORY about Rezko's crimes was NOT what this post was about. Re-read before commenting please.
April 7, 2008 11:52 AM | Reply | Permalink
My point is --- there are OTHER famous people in office and out, that got money from Rezko, not just Obama and the Governor of Illinois. But all we SEE in the articles are their two names. Almost EVERY article too.
I'm just asking the media to be FAIR and report that our current PRESIDENT also received money from him --
April 7, 2008 12:46 PM | Reply | Permalink
Coonsey - just a small voice of dissent here. I agree the media should absolutely be fair and unbiased in their coverage and disclosures. However, that being said, I don't think it would do Obama any favors to have his name associated with GWB.
IMHO Obama hasn't been proven to have done anything wrong here. And if GWB all the sudden did enter the headlines in association with Rezko it would be just as wrong unless they could prove that there was some quid pro quo and GWB did favors for Rezko somewhere.
IOW two wrongs don't make a right. ;-)
April 7, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
BUT.....RhymesWithUrple,
By letting folks it's not JUST Obama that worked with Rezko, should actually HELP Obama. He's being tied to Rezko as a lone criminal even tho they put the disclaimer in -- having his name in the article makes people automatically ASSUME he therefore is guilty and time will prove it.
Governor Jim Edgar, a well respected Illinois governor also had Rezko working for him -- but no mention of him but ONCE out of 100 articles.
Either stop printing Obama's name till you actually have a case against him or give all famous names up. You know how guilt by association works.
April 7, 2008 9:38 PM | Reply | Permalink