A politician sits next to a prolific fundraiser that nobody , including the other pols who took his money, knew at the time had questionable business practices. I bet there are similar photos with Rezko and just about every elected official in Illinois from Cook County.
Also no I am not a big fan of Rod . I was against the Gross Receipts Tax and his style is one I don’t agree with always, BUT
I feel that the notion that his relationship with Rezko is any different from Rezko’s relationship with Daley, Stroger, Madigan, Obama, Jones, etc etc is just plain silly. People who hate Rod, jump to every worst conclusion possible about him but give everyone else a free pass. The criticism over policy is legit, but I think there is a bit of “rush to judgement” and double standards on this rezko issue with Rod.
As part of a plea agreement with Federal prosecuters, Governor Blagojevich agrees to super-glue his hands together whenever he is a room with more than 3 potential campaign contributors to prevent him from stealing wallets.
Tickets to Governor’s fundraiser: $2,000
Kickback to Rezko to get a seat at the Governor’s table to gain “influence”: $10,000
Being lucky enough to have a seat on the other side of the table and not be caught in this photo: Priceless
Tony, thinking to himself: “man, the crap I got to put up and the people I have to hang out with to make a few million here and there. There has got to be something easier out there for someone of my stature and fame.”
to: lay low . What did Rezko and the other guy whisper in Blagoes ear ? Fitz is coming, Fitz is coming ! He looked like g.w. in the kindergarten class when told about 9/11.
Winning the election for Governor? 4,000,000.00
Having the ability to direct State contracts and payments in exchange for campaign dontaions? Priceless.
Whatever the event, it just shows how little respect G-Rod gets or deserves. The sitting Governor of the State has to sit with his back toward the action?
- This Is Just Too Much Fun.... - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 5:12 pm:
Can’t top these comments, but as Harry Caray used to say: ” Ahhhhh, ya just can’t beat fun at the ole’ ballpark, friends”.
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 5:21 pm:
Rod: “Tony, when do I get to speak?”
Tony: “Rod, as I told you before, they don’t let other people speak at President Bush’s fundraisers.”
LIVE session coverage...
- MOON - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:38 am:
The Last Supper
- Snidely Whiplash - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:39 am:
Don’t worry, Rod. The belly dancer agreed to do your fundraiser gratis in exchange for this statehouse gig.
- Illinois Insider - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:40 am:
A politician sits next to a prolific fundraiser that nobody , including the other pols who took his money, knew at the time had questionable business practices. I bet there are similar photos with Rezko and just about every elected official in Illinois from Cook County.
- downstateyp - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:42 am:
I wonder…are those feds coming for me or you?
- Wumpus - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:42 am:
TOny, let’s bundle some money for that young, dynamic, articulate Obama!
- Snidely Whiplash - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:43 am:
That had better be the regular Friday envelope you’re slipping into my back pocket, Tony!
- Illinois Insider - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:43 am:
Also no I am not a big fan of Rod . I was against the Gross Receipts Tax and his style is one I don’t agree with always, BUT
I feel that the notion that his relationship with Rezko is any different from Rezko’s relationship with Daley, Stroger, Madigan, Obama, Jones, etc etc is just plain silly. People who hate Rod, jump to every worst conclusion possible about him but give everyone else a free pass. The criticism over policy is legit, but I think there is a bit of “rush to judgement” and double standards on this rezko issue with Rod.
- A Citizen - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:44 am:
Fitz just enters to join the party already in progress.
- The Welshman - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:45 am:
If you’re happy and you know it CLAP YOUR HANDS (clap-clap). If you’re crooked and you know it CLAP YOUR HANDS(clap-clap)
- Snidely Whiplash - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:45 am:
Insider,
Not just anyone sits next to the governor at a small table during a fundraiser.
- Bill Baar - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:47 am:
That Barack gives a great speech.
- Levois - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:50 am:
I wonder if this pic came from someone’s camera or the media took this one.
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:55 am:
I wonder if that guy behind me will pick up the tab? Maybe I’ll just tell him I’m going to the bathroom and not come back.
- OneManBlog - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:57 am:
Tony who?
The governors office provided a picture today proving that he has ‘turned his back’ on Tony
- pickles!! - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:01 am:
“Waiter, check please,” said the Gov. “And Rezko is paying. And he doesn’t tip well…”
- Napoleon has left the building - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:04 am:
Abby! Get the scheduler on the phone. Tell her I don’t ever want to sit next to Dr. Phil again!
- Joe Schmoe - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:06 am:
Is that “Illinois Insider” sitting on the other side of the table?
- sine die - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:06 am:
“Her name was LOLA, she was a show girl…”
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:12 am:
[Guy on the Left]
I’m sure glad my back is to the camera!
- SouthernILRepub - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:13 am:
http://www.illinois.gov/gallery/showimage.cfm?ImageID=366&CategoryID=13
- dc - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:13 am:
“You will all be glad to know that this event will not be photographed or shown on YouTube.”
(Just curious, what is worse: Blags picture with Rezko or Judy Baar Topinka’s picture dancing with Ryan. Interesting paradigm)
- B - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:14 am:
Rod, can you pass the contracts please?
- Trafficmatt - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:16 am:
As part of a plea agreement with Federal prosecuters, Governor Blagojevich agrees to super-glue his hands together whenever he is a room with more than 3 potential campaign contributors to prevent him from stealing wallets.
- Marco - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:23 am:
Don’t look back. Something may be gaining on you.
- sarbanharble - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:24 am:
I’ve gotta agree with Illinois Insider on this one. A picture is worth a thousand words. No more, just a thousand. So wrap it up already.
- Lay Low - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:25 am:
“Didn’t I tell you NEVER sit with your back to the door?”
- Enemy of the State - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:26 am:
“That man was seated on my right soley for the purposes of making my hair look good.”
- VanillaMan - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:27 am:
Q1.) Which individual in the photo above is a dishonest crook?
A1.)OK - just kidding!
Q2.) Which TWO individuals in the photo above are dishonest crooks!
- the Other Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:28 am:
Not a caption, but doesn’t it look like Blagojevich is sitting on Rezko’s lap?
- rodrigo - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:28 am:
Rod: “Tony, that reform and renewal talk gets me all fired up”
Tony: “Check’s in the mail Rod”
- IncrediblyDumberThanYouThink - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:29 am:
Ah, the good old days when we did not have to share our thief/crony with Obama. Let’s have a hand for those times!
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:30 am:
Hey Bill & Hillary, come on over here and have your picture taken with my good friend…..
- so-called "Austin Mayor" - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:31 am:
1. Milorad Blagojevich and Carl from Aqua Teen Hunger Force enjoy an exciting evening of dinner theater.
2. After spotting federal agents in the doorway, Gov. Rod Blagojevich puts his hands together in preparation for handcuffs.
– SCAM
- Garp - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:32 am:
Were crooks of the round table.
We clap when we are able.
This Camalot was sure a fable.
- KGB - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:33 am:
Rod: (muttering under his breath)”Damn. Don’t look now but here come some Feds and they look like they have handcuffs out.”
Tony: (turning) Whaaa?!?
- Spanky63 - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:42 am:
I would like to welcome you all to the Illinois chapter of the Soon to be Indicted Club.
- chiatty - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:44 am:
Caution: Objects behind you are larger than they appear.
- walter sobchak - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:46 am:
What, me worry?
- SpfldDem - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:49 am:
And tonight we are auctioning off the Illinois politics version of the game Monopoly. But with this game, the get out of jail free cards are for real!
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:52 am:
That’s right, just slip it into my back pocket while people aren’t looking.
- Wumpus - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:53 am:
Winner is
1. One man Blog
Runner up
2. B
- Snidely Whiplash - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:53 am:
“Ooooh, Tony, I hope that’s a roll of hundreds in his pocket!”
- Anon - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:57 am:
I hope this Johnny Cash tribute band will play for us in prison like they did at Folsum
- Bluefish - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:58 am:
Tickets to Governor’s fundraiser: $2,000
Kickback to Rezko to get a seat at the Governor’s table to gain “influence”: $10,000
Being lucky enough to have a seat on the other side of the table and not be caught in this photo: Priceless
- Vole - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 11:07 am:
Tony, thinking to himself: “man, the crap I got to put up and the people I have to hang out with to make a few million here and there. There has got to be something easier out there for someone of my stature and fame.”
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 11:08 am:
“0hhhh, I can’t WAIT to introduce this guy to Billary!!”
- North of I-80 - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 11:11 am:
Anyone leave a suitcase full of cash in the coat room?
- Whip it good - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 11:12 am:
Good luck picking a winner out of these comments, they’re weak.
- Lay Low - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 11:13 am:
“Tony has finally realized telepathy is better than whispering in the Gov’s ear.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pGxiNm1a0IM
- DuPage Dem - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 11:13 am:
“Proof that Judas was at the Last Supper.”
- Muskrat - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 11:19 am:
Told that they needed to be “looking over your shoulders for Patrick Fitzgerald,” the governor and Rezko took the advcie literally.
- Little Egypt - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 11:50 am:
The very first post from MOON wins it all - The Last Supper. No need for further comments.
- bluedog demo - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 12:11 pm:
to: lay low . What did Rezko and the other guy whisper in Blagoes ear ? Fitz is coming, Fitz is coming ! He looked like g.w. in the kindergarten class when told about 9/11.
- tubbfan - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 12:16 pm:
The Tribune needs to include that photo on their website along with the pics of Rosalyn Carter and Bill Clinton/Monica Lewinsky
- i could be potus - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 12:27 pm:
…and with us tonight, we have a special guest in the audience, former Illinois Governor…
- anon - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 12:29 pm:
Catered by Papa Johns Pizza!
- Ghost - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 12:32 pm:
Winning the election for Governor? 4,000,000.00
Having the ability to direct State contracts and payments in exchange for campaign dontaions? Priceless.
- Crimefighter - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 1:08 pm:
“I don’t know this man, they just happened to seat us at the same table!” - King Rodrick the First.
- Pot calling kettle - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 1:10 pm:
I wonder if I could raise more money signing bats?
http://www.illinois.gov/gallery/showimage.cfm?ImageID=363&CategoryID=13
- Dan S, a Voter - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 1:21 pm:
Cellmates
- Whizbang - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 1:24 pm:
The Cubs Caravan visits Ravenswood.
- tin man - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 1:29 pm:
patty cake, patty cake, bakers man poor little Tonys gonna stick it in my can
- ivoted4judy - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 1:38 pm:
Tony, if we clap real loud, maybe it will help Chris Kelly get blackjack!!!!!
- dannyboy - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 2:04 pm:
“that governor ryan, he’ll show us the ropes”
- Thinking without the box - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 2:09 pm:
Take a good look at the two profiles and tell me should I exchange the hair for a mustache?
- Downstate weed chewing hick - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 2:15 pm:
Out, damn spot.
- ILtoAZ - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 2:34 pm:
“this is the one and only time I’ll turn my back on you..”
- GLM - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 2:37 pm:
OH BOY! PUDDING FOR DESSERT!
- Reading on Walden - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 3:10 pm:
Governor, do you know if Hill and Bill are free tonight?
- Snidely Whiplash - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 3:11 pm:
So, I’ve got this nice 2/3 of a lot right next door to Obama, and I can give you a real sweet deal on it …
- zatoichi - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 3:17 pm:
Guy in the back slightly out of focus: “Damn, one of those guys cut the cheese.”
- 4% - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 3:22 pm:
Crap, I can’t believe I got caught in a picture with these two (soon-to-be) felons.
- JakeCP - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 3:28 pm:
Blagojevich: Oh God here comes Fitzgerald
Rezko: Oh Crap
- Shadoobie - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 3:36 pm:
What is that white thing sticking up in front of Rod’s plate?
- Lay Low - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 3:57 pm:
No wonder the guy in the glasses has that look on his face.
- unclesam - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 4:00 pm:
Rod’s inner monologue:
“How do I explain to him (Tony) that his daughter is just not as good as Hanna Montana?”
- Snidely Whiplash - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 4:06 pm:
I wish this damned thing would end, I have a Hawks game to get to!
- pickles!! - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 4:12 pm:
“and the winner of the Hannah Montana tickets is….”
- BIG R.PH. - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 4:46 pm:
Whatever the event, it just shows how little respect G-Rod gets or deserves. The sitting Governor of the State has to sit with his back toward the action?
- This Is Just Too Much Fun.... - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 5:12 pm:
Can’t top these comments, but as Harry Caray used to say: ” Ahhhhh, ya just can’t beat fun at the ole’ ballpark, friends”.
- Arthur Andersen - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 5:21 pm:
Rod: “Tony, when do I get to speak?”
Tony: “Rod, as I told you before, they don’t let other people speak at President Bush’s fundraisers.”
- jACK rYAN - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 5:35 pm:
“VERY DEEP POCKETS”
- Gomez & Natasa - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 5:48 pm:
“But Mr. B, I thought you said we could get away with ANYTHING in Illinois”.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 5:54 pm:
Blago whispering to assistant “i wonder if i could make ole Tony R. Lt. Governor? I never did like that mike fynn guy we got now”
Assistant “umm sir the Lt. Governor is Pat Quinn not Mike Fynn”
Blago “shoot, ive been calling him mike for six years…ohh well…”
- Concerned Voter - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 6:04 pm:
Eww, I guess money is one of the dirtieset things, I’ve been to the bathroom three times and just can’t seem to get clean.
- SIU Prof - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 8:00 pm:
Think dinners in prison will be like this?
- City Voter - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 8:18 pm:
“Hey Rez, this isn’t one of those undercover arrests scams, is it? That guy on the stage looks a lot like Patrick Fitzgerald…”
- Anonymous - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 9:20 pm:
“You first, Tony.”
- Snidely Whiplash - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 10:40 pm:
No weiner?
- Quizzical - Thursday, Jan 31, 08 @ 11:14 pm:
As soon as this camera gets out of my face I can open my hands and see how much Tony slipped me this time