First lady of Illinois linked to developer

[Walt Starr]

First lady of Illinois linked to developer

By John Chase, Tribune staff reporter. Tribune staff reporter Ray Long contributed to this report
Published May 20, 2005


A controversial fundraiser and adviser to Gov. Rod Blagojevich has had a business relationship with First Lady Patti Blagojevich for eight years, the governor's office acknowledged Thursday.

Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a Chicago developer who has been influential in shaping Blagojevich's administration and policies, has "worked on various projects" with Patti Blagojevich since 1997, said Cheryle Jackson, the governor's spokeswoman.

The disclosure marks the first time that the governor's administration has acknowledged the governor's family has a personal financial link with a key adviser who helped shape the administration and is now tied to a variety of controversies involving allegations of cronyism.

<snip>

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0505200172may20,1,3166143.story?coll=chi-newslocal-hed

They continuing scandals of Rod Blagojevich could turn true blue Illinois into a hive of red activity. Scandals linked to a republican governor of this state brought the Illinois GOP to its knees, they could destroy the Illinois Dems.

[WI_DEM]

1. I hope Blagojevich doesn't run in '06

It's increasingly likely he may not win--unless they run Alan Keyes or maybe George Ryan against him.

[madrchsod]

2. have they resurrected

Jim Edgar yet? hell i would vote for him again..blago ain`t going to make another term. Walt it`s Illinois,we are equal opportunity state-if it ain`t the repubs getting indited its the democrats...just as long as the balance is maintained illinois seems to humm along..

[Walt Starr]

3. Yes, they are resurrecting Jim Edgar

The Repukes are courting him heavily for a run next year.

[davsand]

5. I was told privately yesterday that Edgar is a NO GO.

Came from a guy who I think would be in a position to know. He's not been wrong before on stuff like this.

I was also told that here are a "few folks" working for Blag right now who are checking out options for a new job after the elections...



Laura

[gavodotcom]

4. LaHood's the man for Republicans.

If we can find ourselves an articulate, conservative Dem for the 18th and give him a little money (Waterworth didn't get any dem money and still got 30% of the vote), while dissuading Blago from running, we can retain the governorship and pick up a house seat. Kerry and Bush split 50/50 in Peoria County, which is the most populous county in the 18th.

I'm not talking about a lot of money--most of the money v. LaHood would be rightfully spent on the governor race, but simply enough to run a few commercials to get name and issue recognition, I really think we could win. LaHood really doesn't do too much to keep his name in the papers around here, people just vote for him because he was the protege of Bob Michael. Define him as a Bush Bot and I think we've got a real shot at making it a "Throw the Bums Out" election.