Rezko scandal! Barrackwater !!!

[stravu9]

The Chicago Tribune broke the story back in November. It begins in 2004 with Obama's $1.9 million book advance for The Audacity of Hope. In June 2005, Obama used the money to purchase a $1.65 million Georgian revival home on Chicago's South Side—$300,000 less than the asking price. On the very same day, Rezko, a Democratic Party fund-raiser and developer, bought the adjacent empty lot at the asking price from the same owner (the house and the lot were previously owned by the same person). Rezko, who had raised money for Obama and known him since the senator attended Harvard Law School, did not develop the empty lot. In January 2006, he sold a 1,500-square-foot slice of it to Obama for $104,000, a fair sum in that market.

Here's the question: Did Rezko orchestrate his same-day purchase of the lot at full price so that the seller would give Obama a break on the price of the adjacent house? Was Obama in on the deal? And did Rezko never intend to develop the lot, giving Obama a nice roomy side yard, a favor which he'd call in later?

Shady!

[AndyA]

1. Rezko: we're going to be hearing a lot more about this.

Not good for Gobamas!

[stravu9]

7. can't wait!

!

[ShortnFiery]

2. No, we have to allow these politicos to "JERK our chains" not vote ON THE ISSUES?

:grr:

[stravu9]

3. IF YOu Voted On Issues

You'd be supporting Edwards!

[aquart]

5. Or Kucinich.

Neither of which is happening.

[stravu9]

9. Kucinich was actually my first choice.

.

[madeline_con]

10. Good one!

:popcorn: I love this race!

[aquart]

4. Yes, it is. But he got away with it.

There isn't a shred of indictable evidence is there? Of course, when Rezko gets to the point where he needs to make a deal?

You didn't mention that Rezko's wife paid $382,000 MORE for that lot than it was worth. THAT's the interesting figure. The 1500 sq ft "piece" was only worth $40,500 btw.

[stravu9]

6. Yes!

.

[jackson_dem]

8. Obama won't get indicted but he has a holier than thou thing going on ethics

It is a big part of his message. This will come up in the fall campaign if he is the nominee and it would hurt his clean image.