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Here we go again.
State government has awarded a $500,000 no-bid contract to a law firm because of expected legal action stemming from a decision to cancel two prison-building projects.
The companies overseeing those projects, Williams Brothers Construction of Peoria Heights and River City Construction of East Peoria, have said the state still owes them millions of dollars.The state-hired law firm, DLA Piper Rudnick Gray Cary, has made more than $250,000 worth of contributions to political campaign funds since 2002, according to the Illinois State Board of Elections Web site. That figure includes separate contributions of $50,000, $25,000 and $25,000 to Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s political campaign fund, Friends of Blagojevich, and a combined total of $22,500 to the state Democratic Party’s coffers. […]
Blagojevich spokeswoman Rebecca Rausch denied any link between Piper Rudnick’s campaign contributions and its legal services contract with state government.
“I think CDB chose the firm that was in the best position to protect the taxpayers’ money,” she said, adding that part of the firm’s job is to ensure that only appropriate bills get paid.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 2:58 am
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I’ve not heard of the firm, and I’d like to see the guv go down more then anybody for this type of business. The problem is, many law firms especialy personal injury firms spend a lot of money in political campaigns. I imagine he can show a number of attorney’s giving to him accross the board who got nothing so this will be hard to prove quid pro quo. As more Supreme Court battles in IL loom, we will see more big spending by law firms in politics so get used to it. There may be some dirt in it, but ultimately, so many firms are going to get in on both sides proving the wrong will be very difficult.
The better cases are where an obscure contractor never gave to a politician in their whole life, then they make one contribution to the guv and start getting contracts for the first time.
Comment by the Patriot Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 6:57 am
I suppose $100,000 guarantees that you’re firm will be, as Rebecca Rausch stated ” in the best position” to get work with the state.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 8:38 am
The problem is campaign finance in the state. There is nothing wrong with raising money, you have to in order to compete. The problem is that when Blagojevich takes money from so many people/firms some will get state contracts. It may give something for the anti Blagojevich people and the press to complain about but there is no evidence of any illegal activity. I say this also about Topinka. She has taken huge amounts from banks who do business with the state. That does not mean she broke the law if they have state business.
Comment by Big Mike Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 12:39 pm
If memory serves me correctly any state entity that wants to hire outside counsel has to get permission from the Attorney General. I’m just wondering if General Madigan has signed off on this…plus they hired this firm based on the threat of a suit. Does that mean there isn’t a suit pending, and if so, are they getting paid?
Comment by Common Sense in Illinois Tuesday, Apr 4, 06 @ 12:53 pm
All the big name contracts get the public’s attention, but what really needs to be looked at are the contracts that are under $20,000.
Comment by Tired at IDOT Wednesday, Apr 5, 06 @ 1:41 pm