Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

Friday, Oct 13, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

* Today’s State Week in Review program from Illinois Public Radio should be good. The archive is here, or just click below.

[audio:10132006.mp3]

* OneMan responded to my call yesterday for snarky ads to help Gov. Blagojevich out of this mess by actually producing a TV ad himself. Great music. His best effort to date and it can also be found at the Capitol Fax YouTube “vlog.”

* Also at the vlog is this kinda goofy but somewhat entertaining “song” for Dan Rutherford’s SoS race:

* IIS: Early voting for the November election kicks of Monday

[audio:early.mp3]

* Also from IIS is this bad news for farmers: Asian soybean rust found in IL

[audio:rust.mp3]

* This afternoon’s IIS story package inclludes this one about the U of I offering live video visits with soldiers in Iraq

[audio:soldier.mp3]

* This is a pretty good positive ad for Rod Blagojevich.

20 Comments

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Friday, Oct 13, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

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This just in… Rezko given another week to appear *** Updated x2 ***

Friday, Oct 13, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

I was working on my syndicated column and the subscriber-only post and missed this a few minutes ago.

Antoin “Tony'’ Rezko, a key adviser to Gov. Rod Blagojevich who was scheduled to appear in court this morning on federal charges, missed his arraignment because he is traveling outside the country, his attorney said.

When asked when Rezko would return to the United States, lawyer Joseph J. Duffy said “soon.”

At the 10 a.m. hearing, U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel gave Rezko until next Thursday, Oct. 19, to show up in court.

Duffy assured Zagel that Rezko is not on the run and will appear in court next week. “There’s nothing unusual about this trip, judge. He travels frequently for business,” Duffy said.

*** UPDATE *** From CBS2:

Rezko has also stopped paying taxes on his North Shore mansion.

The house is one of the largest homes in one of the most desirable sections of Wilmette — not the sort of place to have more than $25,000 in unpaid property taxes. But the Cook County Treasurer’s Web site shows it’s nearly six weeks overdue.

On Thursday, some insiders saw the tax issue as a sign that Rezko may not be planning a quick return to the United States. A native of Syria, Rezko has reportedly been on a lengthy visit to the Middle East.

This is not the first time Rezko’s been late paying his huge property tax bill. He was 16 days late last March

*** UPDATE 2 *** Rezko’s attorney talks about the charges against his client.

“Obviously Mr. Rezko feels strongly about these charges in that they’re baseless, and that he will be vindicated at trial. I will tell you, you really need to study these indictments.

The second indictment (alleging Rezko obtained $10.5 million in fraudulent loans for a pizza business) is really nothing more than the result of some civil litigation that’s been going on for years against GE.

And the other indictment (alleging Rezko tried to shake down firms seeking state business), I think, is predicated upon the alleged production of an individual who’s trying to curry favor with the government.”

49 Comments

Question of the day

Friday, Oct 13, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

There were plenty of stories today about how Illinois Democrats were scrambling to dump cash donated to their campaigns by Tony Rezko.

Blagojevich, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Secretary of State Jesse White, Comptroller Dan Hynes and U.S. Sen. Barack Obama were among those announcing Thursday they’d make donations to charities equal to what their campaigns had received from Rezko and his affiliated businesses in recent years. […]

Blagojevich’s campaign said more than $65,000 in past contributions directly tied to Rezko would be split between charities benefiting juvenile diabetes research and breast cancer research. Madigan’s campaign planned to make donations totaling $48,000. Obama’s donations would total $11,500. White planned to donate $6,500. Quinn was traveling Thursday and had not tallied his Rezko donations, but state campaign finance reports show he’d collected more than $17,000 from Rezko or his affiliates since 1998. […]

Senate President Emil Jones Jr., a Chicago Democrat, has no plans to make similar donations, a spokeswoman said Thursday. As recently as April, Jones accepted a $2,000 contribution from a business enterprise co-owned by Rezko.

It was uncertain what House Speaker Michael Madigan, a Chicago Democrat and head of the state party, planned to do with past donations. Steve Brown, Madigan’s spokesman, said he’d not spoken to Madigan, who’s also co-chairing Blagojevich’s re-election bid.

What about the rest of the money? Rezko raised lots of cash for many of those people and committees.

Question: Should all of the candidates and committees shed themselves of all Rezko-tainted contributions, including money he helped them raise? Why or why not?

Bonus question: Suggest a charity where the money should go.

62 Comments

New polling has some surprises *** Updated x1 ***

Friday, Oct 13, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

[Bumped up closer to the top because it was posted so late yesterday. It’s also been slightly edited this morning.]

Constituent Dynamics has posted some interesting poll results in IL congressional races.

Go here and click on the districts, or just click on the links below:

* Roskam-Duckworth, 47-47 (crosstabs pdf)

* Hastert-Laesch, 52-42 (crosstabs pdf)

* Shimkus-Stover, 53-36 (crosstabs pdf)

*** UPDATE *** ArchPundit has DCCC numbers from the Duckworth-Roskam race.

IL-06 (Open): Tammy Duckworth (D) vs. Peter Roskam (R)

Head to Head: Duckworth 51%, Roskam 46%.

Only 34% of voters in Illinoisâ€™ 6th district think that the country is going on the right track, while 57% say weâ€™re headed down the wrong track and only 21% give President Bush a positive rating for the job he is doing. [Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, 409 voters; October 8-9; margin of error 5%]

24 Comments

They can’t watch it if nobody covers it

Friday, Oct 13, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

There’s a saying in politics that if it isn’t on TV it didn’t happen. But what about if it’s not on TV?

This study is not heartening, but also not surprising.

A University of Wisconsin survey of election coverage on local television news in nine Midwest markets found that stations in Springfield-Decatur-Champaign devoted an average of 21 seconds for each 30-minute newscast to election coverage. […]

All of the stations included in the study averaged about 36 seconds of election coverage daily.

An examination of the data shows that WICS-TV, based in Springfield, provided double the number of election stories when compared to the other two main stations serving the market - WCIA in Champaign and WAND in Decatur.

WICS also had more election-related stories than all but two stations in state capitols covered by the study.

Chicago stations averaged 29 seconds of election coverage.

Chicago stations averaged 2 minutes and 3 seconds for “Teasers, bumpers and intros,” compared to 1 minute 51 seconds for Springfield stations. Sports and weather got 6 minutes and 5 seconds in Chicago, and 7 minutes and 17 seconds in Springfield.

According to the study, “In Chicago, 31% of the [election] stories aired focused on the gubernatorial race. In Springfield, 48% of stories focused on the gubernatorial race.”

I’ll try to get the individual station-by-station breakdowns, so check back later. For now, the Illinois summary is below. Click for a larger image. You can also check out the other state results by clicking here.

9 Comments

Cellini stuff *** Updated x1 ***

Friday, Oct 13, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Yesterday, Judy Baar Topinka was asked about her contacts with Bill Cellini. She said she hadn’t spoken to him in ten years.

Topinka has never forgiven Cellini for that hotel deal and all the bad press that has resulted. Nevertheless expect the Democrats to try to level the playing field with revelations like this.

Longtime Republican leader William Cellini of Springfield has been implicated in a pension-fund kickback probe by federal prosecutors.

Jon Bauman, executive director of the Illinois Teachers’ Retirement System, confirmed that Cellini is the person referred to as “Individual A” in the indictment of Antoin “Tony” Rezko, a political adviser to Gov. Rod Blagojevich, made public Wednesday.

In the indictment, prosecutors say Individual A and several others - including at least four people who have been formally charged with crimes - worked together to pressure investment firms into making political contributions and paying “finder’s fees” to insiders who did no work. Unless the firms paid up, they were told they wouldn’t get any business from the Teachers’ Retirement System, which pays the pension of downstate and suburban teachers, prosecutors allege.

You can also expect this story to re-emerge.

Questions over Bruner’s votes for Commonwealth come after state Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka faced criticism last month for her vote in the spring to invest up to $120 million with Commonwealth from another pension system. That’s because, in 1995, Topinka was set to allow the Cellini-led hotel consortium to repay a $15.5 million state loan at a rate equal to only 25 cents on the dollar. That controversial deal was blocked, and now mounting interest has Cellini and his co-investors holding a $27.5 million IOU to taxpayers.

Topinka did not know that Commonwealth had Cellini ties when she allowed her vote with the Board of Investment to be cast, an aide told the Sun-Times last month, and she now favors revoking the Commonwealth deal. The issue could surface when the Board of Investment meets Wednesday.

Cellini yielded his 75 percent ownership stake in Commonwealth to two of his children more than a decade ago, but the firm is based in the same suite of Chicago offices where several other Cellini companies are located.

*** UPDATE *** The Tribune had this nugget today:

Topinka’s efforts to turn the tables on Blagojevich come after months of being hammered in Blagojevich campaign ads linking her to Ryan, convicted earlier this year on corruption charges. Blagojevich campaign aides said a recent commercial featuring Topinka with Ryan at the Illinois State Fair soon will be replaced with the new ad, which doesn’t name Topinka, Ryan or Bush.

Still, the Blagojevich campaign insider said that another commercial showing Topinka dancing the polka with Ryan is “in the can” and ready to be rolled out if they feel it’s necessary. One of Topinka’s GOP primary opponents ran a similar ad showing news footage from years earlier of Topinka dancing with Ryan.

37 Comments

Still in denial

Friday, Oct 13, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

The governor says he was completely surprised when Tony Rezko was indicted. His other close fundraising pal/adviser Chris Kelly was referred to in Rezko’s indictment, but Blagojevich continues to believe all is well. At least, that’s what he’s saying in public.

The Southtown editorial board interviewed the governor and posted the transcript online.

Q: But you did not disassociate yourself from Chris Kelly and Tony Rezko.

A: Hold on. Why are you bringing Chris Kelly into this? He has nothing to do with any of this. He’s got nothing to do with the Health Facilities Planning Board.

Q: He was raised when your father-in-law made the accusations that you were trading appointments for campaign contributions.

A: Right. It’s a lie. My father-in-law lied because I did my duty and acted on a recommendation to protect the environment on a landfill that my father-in-law had an interest in.

Q: Are you confident that Chris Kelly is not going to be indicted?

A: Yeah. Yes. They’re two different people, by the way, and it’s a different relationship. Chris and I are much closer. Chris is the head of my political campaign. That’s someone I talk to a lot more frequently. I’m confident, yes.

From my Sun-Times column:

Once again, Illinoisans are forced to wonder whether their governor is an idiot or a crook or an idiotic crook. […]

Kelly is not mentioned by name in Rezko’s indictment, but everyone’s reporting that he is “Individual B.” Individual B is alleged to have participated in a crooked scheme with Rezko and others to make sure that the Teachers Retirement System used investors and lawyers that he and Rezko recommended. According to a guilty plea by another player involved in this corrupt cabal, those investors and lawyers were then to be shaken down on behalf of Blagojevich’s campaign fund.

42 Comments

Rutherford, Radogno on the attack

Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Dan Rutherford thinks there may be some law-breaking going on at the SoS.

Dan Rutherford, Republican Nominee for Secretary of State, called on Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to take action on the illegal hiring practices of Jesse White who is giving no bid contracts to the spouses of his senior staff.

The Illinois Procurement Code (30 ILCS 500/50 13 â€œConflicts of Interestâ€) prohibits the spouse of an employee of state government making 60% of the Governorâ€™s salary from being awarded any state contract. The Governorâ€™s salary is $150,691 and 60 % of that is $90,415.

Published news reports, â€œFamily Businessâ€ by Greg Hinz, Crainâ€™s Chicago Business 8/28/06 and â€œRutherford Makes Issue of Hiring in Whiteâ€™s Officeâ€ by Bernard Schoenburg, State Journal-Register 8/28/06, show that Secretary of State Jesse Whiteâ€™s Chief of Staff, Thomas Benigno makes $139,296, well over 60% of the Governorâ€™s salary, and his wife, Benedetta Benigno, was recently awarded a no bid state contract. It has also been revealed that the wife of Secretary Whiteâ€™s Personnel Director, Steve Roth, who makes approximately $103,500, was also awarded a no bid state contract.

The Procurement Code can be found here

White’s spokesman says the contracts are covered under the “ministerial” exemption to the code.

Ministerial duties. This Section does not apply to a contract for personal services of a wholly ministerial character, including but not limited to services as a laborer, clerk, typist, stenographer, page, bookkeeper, receptionist, or telephone switchboard operator, made by a spouse or minor child of an elective or appointive State officer or employee or of a member of the General Assembly.

Mrs. Benigno is listed as a secretary, and Mrs. Roth’s position also qualifies as “ministerial,” the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Christine Radogno wants Alexi Giannoulias to return a contribution from a Rezko guy.

State Sen. Christine Radogno, Republican nominee for Illinois Treasurer, today asked her Democratic opponent Alexi Giannoulias to return $14,000 in campaign contributions from Michael Winter, a Chicago businessman who reportedly is linked to indicted Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin â€œTonyâ€ Rezko.

According to todayâ€™s Chicago Sun Times, Michael Winter is a â€œRezko business associate. Had allegedly agreed to funnel fees from an investment firm to Rezko but did not want his identity revealed to TRS board.â€

Winter also has received more than $2 million in loans from Broadway Bank, where Giannoulias is a vice president and senior loan officer.

â€œUntil we know all the facts and the level of alleged involvement Mr. Winter has in the Rezko scandal, Giannoulias should return his contributions,â€ said Radogno. â€œAfter all the questions surrounding Alexiâ€™s banking practices and his campaign contributions, the right thing for him is to give back the $14,000.â€

28 Comments

Afternoon radio-TV blogging *** Updated x3 ***

Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Topinka and Birkett held a press conference at the Statehouse today. Quite a few good questions were asked. I had to convert the files to mp3 to use here, so I’m not sure how many I’ll upload of the four. You might want to check bacck later, though. Thanks much to Ben Yount for the audio files.

The first is Topinka’s opening statement. Topinka demands to know what gifts Tony Rezko gave Gov. Blagojevich. “He’s answered questions for the FBI, but he refuses to answer questions for the people who entrusted him with the great responsibility of leading this state.”

[audio:WS_10072.mp3]

Next is Birkett’s statement. He makes a good point about Blagojevich’s disclosure policy.

[audio:WS_10073.mp3]

And here’s the governor’s latest Internet ad. I’m not sure yet if this will be put up on TV, but I’ve heard it may.

*** UPDATE *** OK, here are the other two.

Birkett and Topinka take questions (long clip… 15 minutes).

[audio:WS_10074.mp3]

More questions, including more stuff about Mrs. Blagojevich.

[audio:WS_10075.mp3]

*** UPDATE 2 *** Here’s the Blagojevich campaign’s Internet-only ad on veterans’ issues that has caused somewhat of a stir.

*** UPDATE 3 *** Here’s the Blagojevich campaign’s ~~Internet-only~~ ad on veterans’ issues that has caused somewhat of a stir. The Tribune has finally posted the entire Blagojevich-Topinka “debate” online. It’s audio-only.

26 Comments

Question of the day

Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Devise a TV ad to help Rod Blagojevich get out of this Rezko mess.

Snark is encouraged.

68 Comments

Rezko-Blagojevich video *** Updated x1 ***

Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

This video is of Tony Rezko whispering to Rod Blagojevich at a party. It’s most likely just an innocent little exchange, but I have a feeling it could find its way into a TV ad.

This clip is from a much longer video that was originally posted on Google Videos. But it mysteriously disappeared yesterday after Rezko was indicted and the ABC7 I-Team mentioned it in a story.

I’m hoping to have another video later today. Check back again.

*** UPDATE *** Here’s another one. This brief video shows Rezko and someone else escorting Gov. Blagojevich through the crowd. Nice soundtrack, too.

19 Comments

Rezko roundup *** Updated x1 ***

Thursday, Oct 12, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The video referred to last night by ABC7 has since been removed from Google Videos, but I should have it for you later this morning.

This summer, Rezko whispered some last minute instructions to the governor before an appearance at a family celebration being held by some of Rezko’s friends.

Video posted on a public video website shows Rezko directing Blagojevich through the crowd.

* Sun-Times: Indictment helps Topinka — but how much

It is known that the feds also are examining Blagojevich’s personal finances. Notably, Blagojevich has yet to explain the $39,000 in cash that Rezko helped funnel into the first family’s personal bank account in 2004 through real estate deals in which he partnered with first lady Patti Blagojevich.

For now, however, Blagojevich can breathe a sigh of relief. The governor was not implicated in any wrongdoing Wednesday, and the campaign fund came through unscathed. But any calm may be illusory.

“I heard it more than one time [Wednesday] that Rod got lucky, but I don’t think so,” said one veteran Chicago Democratic lawmaker, who isn’t sure the indictment is enough to swing the election away from Blagojevich. “This tightens the noose. It lays the groundwork for the feds to go after the campaign fund and him individually.”

* Tribune : “Rezko’s life a story of pizza and politics”

“The Tony Rezko I went into business with in 1989 was a humble, hardworking immigrant success story,” said Daniel Mahru, who partnered with Rezko in real estate ventures until they parted ways last year. “At 19 years old, he came off an airplane and couldn’t speak English, but over the years he must have brought a hundred Rezkos over from Syria. He worked so hard to take care of nephews, nieces and children.”

Then he added: “But the Tony Rezko I knew after the governor got elected was not the same person. He changed.”

* Sun-Times: Rezko indictment: The ABCs

[Individual] A. William Cellini: Longtime Springfield powerbroker and associate of Stuart Levine’s. Allegedly acted as a go-between in one shakedown.

B. Christopher G. Kelly: Blagojevich fund-raiser. Allegedly discussed plans to raise political donations from investment firms.

C. Sheldon Pekin: Consultant who allegedly agreed to kick back $250,000 in fees in return for getting TRS business.

D. Joseph Aramanda: Rezko associate who allegedly got $250,000 from Pekin “in substantial part for the benefit of Rezko.”

G. Michael Winter: Rezko business associate. Had allegedly agreed to funnel fees from an investment firm to Rezko but did not want his identity revealed to TRS board.

H. Myron Cherry: Attorney and political donor. Cherry’s name was listed in place of Winter’s on TRS paperwork. Cherry said this was done without his knowledge and that he is cooperating with federal authorities.

J. Thomas Rosenberg: Movie producer and former investment firm owner. Balked at Levine and Rezko’s extortion attempt and threatened to go to law enforcement.

* Sun-Times: It’s ‘pay-to-play … on steroids’

Authorities have been tracking Rezko’s movements and knew he checked out of a hotel in the Middle East last week and paid in cash.
Some investigators said they feared Rezko wouldn’t return to the country because he’s in substantial debt, sources said. The indictment was returned last week but kept under seal in anticipation of his return this weekend.

On Wednesday, Rezko’s lawyers said efforts were under way to get him back to the United States. FBI agents were still looking for him. They visited Rezko’s North Shore home Wednesday afternoon with an arrest warrant.

* Sun-Times: Governor: If he did it, ‘I feel betrayed’

The governor said he has not spoken with federal investigators since about two years ago, when the subject was different pay-to-play allegations made — and later recanted — by Blagojevich’s father-in-law, Ald. Richard Mell (33rd).

But he confirmed that he did speak Wednesday with former Gov. Jim Thompson, but insisted it was not in Thompson’s role as former head of the Winston & Strawn law firm.

“You know, it’s nice to be able to call a former governor — who’s also a former prosecutor — who can give you some insights on the interesting workings of human nature and how it operates in an environment like this,” Blagojevich said.

* Daily Herald: How prosecutors say scheme worked

If nothing else, the alleged multitasking was impressive.

Federal investigators accuse Antoin Rezko and Stuart Levine of keeping nine different extortion and bribery schemes spinning at once like circus performers with plates.

But just five days before most of these schemes were set to come to fruition at a pension board meeting May 25, 2004, FBI investigators with knowledge of just a fraction of the scams in play came knocking on Stuart Levine’s door, sending most of the plans crashing to the floor, prosecutors allege.

* Mark Brown: Rezko was the man with a plan, and now he’s got a story to tell

What did Tony Rezko want?

A seat at the big table, and Blagojevich gave it to him.

What can Rezko give the feds?

Plenty.

*** UPDATE *** Flashback: I just found this line in a column I wrote in July of 2004 about the scandal at the Hospital Board, and Tony Rezko:

The governor needs to clean up his own house, or somebody is going to the Big House.

78 Comments

Another fresh indictment thread - Liveblogging the Blagojevich press conference

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

*** UPDATE *** If you missed the press conference or just want to watch it again, CBS2 has posted the raw footage.

———————————————————————————

Let’s live blog the governor’s 7pm press conference together, shall we? You can watch it on ABC7’s website.

“Bill” is back, after a long day of not commenting, so I’m sure he’ll have plenty to say in comments.

* While we’re waiting, the Tribune has already posted an editorial about the day’s events.

U.S. Atty. Patrick Fitzgerald has a record of not letting the political calendar influence when his office unveils criminal indictments. But by laying out Wednesday what he called a “pay-to-play scheme on steroids,” Fitzgerald has created a list of crucial questions that Gov. Rod Blagojevich needs to answer as the Nov. 7 election fast approaches.

Fitzgerald’s allegations are as breathtaking as they are serious. A 65-page federal indictment he unsealed Wednesday charges one of Blagojevich’s top fundraisers with demanding millions of dollars in undisclosed kickbacks from investment companies that wanted to do business with the state’s $30 billion teacher pension system. If what the feds allege to have occurred on Blagojevich’s watch proves true, former Gov. George Ryan ought to wonder why he and all his corrupt cronies didn’t have more imagination.

* Really getting tired of listening to the weather on ABC7’s placeholder page.

* CBS2 will carry it as well.

* Here we go….

* “I feel for his family. I pray that these allegations aren’t true.”

* “A tremendous sense of betrayal”

* Donating Rezko’s campaign contributions to charity, but didn’t commit to donating the really big money that Rezko raised to charity.

* Gifts from Rezko: “Maybe some baby gifts involved, maybe a meal or two.”

* Q: Why should anyone believe what you’re saying now? Last year you said that you were confident that Rezko did things right? Answer: “If these allegations are true… He deceived me.”

* He’s doing a good job so far of staying on-message.

* “Personal scheme by two people who were trying to enrich themselves.”

* Now, he’s blaming it on the culture of Springfield, saying he was unaware of the problems at these pension boards and other boards.

* Uh… who is this non-journalist who wants a meeting?

* Tony… made some recommendations… involvement on political campaign side not government side… (But then turns around and brings up a state director that Rezko put in.)

* They’re letting him fillibuster.

* From what I saw, the Chicago reporters let him off the hook with unfocused questions. Wholly unsatisfying.

* And that’s a wrap.

* Rezko’s ties to Blagojevich hires/appointees:

NAME

Imad Almanaseer

TIE TO REZKO

Member of LARC Realty, a Rezko business

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Health Facilities Planning Board member; son Ahmed worked for
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

NAME

Abdelhamid Chaib

TIE TO REZKO

Chief operating officer of Rezko Enterprises

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Wife Lori on Board of Review for Department of Employment Security

NAME

John “Jack” Lavin

TIE TO REZKO

Former chief financial officer of Rezko Enterprises

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Director of DCEO

NAME

Alber Najjar

TIE TO REZKO

Investor in Rezko Enterprises, LARC Realty member

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Daughter Claudine works for DCEO

NAME

Michel Malek

TIE TO REZKO

Investor in Rezko Enterprises, Roosevelt/Clark development

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Health Facilities Planning Board member

NAME

Fortunee Massuda

TIE TO REZKO

Investor in Rezko Enterprises

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Health Facilities Planning Board member

NAME

Ali Ata

TIE TO REZKO

Investor in Roosevelt/Clark

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Former executive director of the Illinois Finance Authority

NAME

Joseph Aramanda

TIE TO REZKO

Co-owned Papa John’s pizza franchises with Rezko

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Got loan from state tollway contractor

NAME

Velma Butler

TIE TO REZKO

Investor in Roosevelt/Clark

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Illinois Housing Authority member

NAME

Muhamad Dabbouseh

TIE TO REZKO

LARC Realty officer

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Daughter Amy works for the DCEO and daughter Huda for the DES

NAME

Kelly King Dibble

TIE TO REZKO

Former vice president for business development of a Rezko real estate company

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Executive director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority

NAME

David Gustman

TIE TO REZKO

Attorney for Rezko and companies

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Unpaid chairman of Illinois Finance Authority

NAME

Anthony Licata

TIE TO REZKO

Rezko attorney

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Chairman of the Capital Development Board

NAME

Michael Rumman

TIE TO REZKO

CEO of Heritage Development Partners, and investor in Roosevelt/Clark

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Former director of Central Management Services

NAME

Ed Wynn

TIE TO REZKO

Heritage lawyer

STATE GOVERNMENT TIE

Former general counsel of CMS

[This comment thread is now closed. Go here instead,]

189 Comments

Fresh indictment thread *** Updated x14 ***

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

That last post was getting long and unwieldy, so let’s start a new one.

The Rezko indictment sure looks a lot like that Sun-Times story I referenced earlier today.

From the indictment:

In or about April, 2004, Rezko and Levine agreed to use their influence and Levineâ€™s position at TRS to prevent Investment Firm 7 from getting its $220 million allocation unless Individual J agreed either to pay an approximately $2 million fee chosen by Rezko and Levine, or to arrange for approximately $1.5 million in political contributions to be made to a certain public official.

From the Sun-Times piece:

A criminal investigation into whether lucrative state pension business was being traded for campaign contributions to Gov. Blagojevich has developed a Hollywood storyline.

Federal authorities want to know if an investment firm then co-owned by the Oscar-winning producer of “Million Dollar Baby” was pushed to donate money to Blagojevich as it vied for a $220 million state deal, the Chicago Sun-Times has learned.

Indictment:

[The Investment firm refused to be extorted, however, and threatened to go to the coppers, so the plans were dropped.] â€œRezko, Levine, Individual A and Individual Bâ€¦ agreed that although Investment Firm 7 woiuld receive the $220 million allocation, it would not receive any further business from any state of Illinois entity, including TRS.

Sun-Times:

Capri rejected the request, sources said, and — after a delay — the firm got the business.

Indictment:

â€œIndividual A had longstanding relationships with TRS trustees, including Levine and TRS staff members and was associated with a real estate asset management firm that managed hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of TRS.

â€œIndividual B was a political fundraiser and an associate of Rezko.â€

Sun-Times:

…there was an attempt to squeeze Rosenberg and Capri. The sources identified those involved as former TRS board member Stuart Levine; top Blagojevich fund-raisers Antoin “Tony” Rezko and Christopher G. Kelly, and longtime Springfield insider William Cellini. […]

State records show the TRS deal was held up in 2004, around the time sources said Capri was allegedly given the ultimatum to pony up campaign cash to Blagojevich or be cut out.

And more from the Sun-Times:

The Blagojevich campaign denied any wrongdoing in the matter.
“Here are the facts: 1) No donations were solicited by the campaign. 2) No donations were received by the campaign. 3) Capri/Capital continues to do business with the state,” Blagojevich campaign spokeswoman Sheila Nix said in a prepared statement.

Attorneys for Cellini and Kelly told the paper that their client was not involved.

*** UPDATE 1 *** ICPR has a good rundown (cribbed from the Tribune) of the “deep ties between state government and several financial backers of businessman Antoin “Tony” Rezko, confidante and political fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich.”

*** UPDATE 2 *** For those of you arguing this isn’t a huge political problem for the governor, you probably need a reminder of this little story.

Blagojevich has acknowledged that the FBI interviewed him last year in connection with a corruption probe of administration associates. Weeks after that interview, Blagojevich amended his previous year’s gift-disclosure form to add names that hadn’t previously been on it.

Those added names included Antoin “Tony” Rezko, a Blagojevich fundraiser whose real estate transactions with Blagojevich’s wife, Patti Blagojevich, netted her more than $30,000 in profits in 2004, according to the family’s tax return; Betty Bukraba, a Blagojevich family baby sitter whom Blagojevich appointed in 2003 to a $21,507 position on the state’s Civil Service Commission; and Beverly and Michael Ascaridis.

*** UPDATE 3 *** The Blagojevich campaign has released a statement. From the Trib story:

“The allegations in today’s indictments, if proven true, are a violation of my trust but far more importantly a betrayal of the public’s trust — the indictment details a pattern of self enrichment by two individuals, acting on their own, that is reprehensible,” Blagojevich said in a written statement issued this afternoon.

“If these allegations are true, the individuals cited in these indictments should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Wrongdoing must be punished,” the governor said.

That “thump” you just heard was Tony Rezko being tossed under the bus.

*** UPDATE 4 *** Word is a gubernatorial press conference is scheduled for 5:30. ABC7 will reportedly be carrying it on the web as it happens.

*** UPDATE 5 *** NBC5 has a quote about Rezko from Judy Baar Topinka:

“This is his right-hand man. This is not some third-level clerk.”

*** UPDATE 6 *** From Birkett’s statement:

Today’s indictment of Tony Rezko makes it clear that the investigation into corruption in the Blagojevich administration is broad, deep and gathering momentum.

More high level indictments are sure to come. We’ve been down this road before and it’s not good news for the reputation of our state.

The alleged facts follow the pattern that we typically see in public corruption cases. People in positions of trust and authority abuse that trust and authority. And then they succumb to deceit and dishonesty to perpetuate their schemes to benefit themselves or others.

In this case, the level of greed is unprecedented. In the words of the U.S. Attorney, there was a “pay-to-play on steroids” mentality in early 2004 and right in the middle of it was the Governor’s close confidant and top fundraiser, Tony Rezko. Rod Blagojevich is the governor who said he was going to clean up corruption in Springfield and instead, it has been flourishing like never before…

*** UPDATE 7 *** From Tony Peraica’s campaign:

According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, Rezko contributed $1,500 to Todd Stroger’s political campaign fund in 2003. Rezko also served as a fundraising chairman for Stroger’s father, John Stroger, as recently as last year.

Additionally, there are at least six (6) Rezko family members on the payroll at Cook County, including Rezko’s wife Rita, who make a combined $223,000 per year (not including benefits) - all courtesy of Cook County taxpayers.

*** UPDATE 8 *** From ABC7:

The indictment also undercuts Blagojevich’s claim that corruption is best symbolized by former Governor George Ryan, one of Treasurer Topinka’s close political allies.

“Corruption shouldn’t be spoken of in the past tense. That’s clear. This is present tense. This happened today,” said Jay Stewart, Better Government Association. […]

The governor has said repeatedly that he and his administration follow the rules, and the people around him obey the law, but, of course, this is the kind of thing his father-in-law, Alderman Dick Mell, talked about months ago when their feud began.

*** UPDATE 9 *** The Teachers Retirement System has issued a press release [pdf file].

The Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Illinois (TRS) and its Board of Trustees are disgusted, angered and deeply troubled by the federal charges filed today against Antoin â€œTonyâ€ Rezko, who has served as a top fundraiser and advisor to Governor Rod Blagojevich. Rezko, along with former TRS trustee Stuart Levine, are accused of soliciting and demanding millions of dollars in undisclosed payments and kickbacks from investment firms seeking to do business with TRS. […]

In January, TRS filed a civil suit in Cook County Circuit Court against Levine, its former outside counsel Steve Loren and his former law firm, and Joseph Cari, former partner of the private equity fund HealthPoint Capital. The suit, which accuses Levine, Loren and Cari of criminal breach of their fiduciary duties to TRS, seeks $3.9 million in legal fees paid to Lorenâ€™s former law firm, Gardner Carton & Douglas, as well as other monetary and compensatory damages to be determined by the court. The civil suit has been stayed until the criminal cases are resolved.

*** UPDATE 10 *** From the AP:

Rezco attorney Duffy said the indictment unsealed Wednesday “appears to be the creation of Stuart Levine, a twice-indicted individual desperate to curry favor with the government to avoid being held accountable for his many years of corruption.'’

*** UPDATE 11 *** Gov. Blagojevich’s press conference has been postponed until 7pm.

*** UPDATE 12 *** Did the governor basically refer to Rezko as a “close, personal friend” at the Tribune debate?

Tribune: Have either of your daughters received any other similar checks?

Blagojevich: It’s all in my disclosure report.

Tribune: There are just names listed in the disclosure report.

Blagojevich: Look, other than family members and a close personal friend like that, the answer is “no.” OK?

Tribune: Are there any other personal friends who have given large amounts?

Blagojevich: I just gave you my answer.

Rezko was in that disclosure report.

*** UPDATE 13 *** Commenters have been wondering all day about where “Bill” has been. Well, he’s back and available for questions. lol

Sorry that you drew 13 as an update number, Bill, but it’s been that sort of a day for your team.

*** UPDATE 14 *** ABC7’s live coverage of the governor’s statement/press conference/whatever scheduled for 7pm will be here.

Comments closed on this one. Go here for a fresh thread.

98 Comments

*** Updated x27 *** FEDS INDICT REZKO: “PAY TO PLAY ON STEROIDS”

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

Oh my goodness. Sun-Times:

Federal prosecutors are expected to announce what was described as significant federal public corruption charges this afternoon, including charges against Gov. Blagojevich fund-raiser Antoin â€œTonyâ€ Rezko, sources told the Sun-Times this morning.

Rezko, 51, just returned from being out of the country.

He has been under scrutiny tied to his private businesses, as well as his fund-raising tactics.

Federal authorities also have been investigating whether Rezko and another Blagojevich fund-raiser, Christopher Kelly, were involved in a scheme to steer state pension business to top campaign donors. […]

Sources say todayâ€™s announcement is far-reaching but would not specify details. A U.S. Attorneyâ€™s Office plans a 1 p.m. news conference.

*** UPDATE *** The US Attorney’s media advisory is below. Click the pic for a larger image.

*** UPDATE 2 *** Here’s the text of that advisory:

Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, together with Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and officials of the Chicago offices of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General will hold a press conference at 1:00 p.m. today, Wednesday October 11, 2006, to announce criminal charges involving fraud and corruption. The press conference will be held in the U.S. Attorneyâ€™s Press Conference Room on the 11th floor, north end, of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse, 219 South Dearborn St., Chicago.

The press conference room will open at noon and additional details will be available by that time, both at the courthouse and electronically. There are no court appearances scheduled for today in connection with this matter.

Well, this is it, campers.

*** UPDATE 3 *** The Tribune reports that Rezko has been indicted.

Federal prosecutors have indicted Antoin “Tony” Rezko, a top fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, on charges that he received hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks from investment firms seeking business from the state teachers’ pension system, according to an indictment unsealed today.

Federal prosecutors have already charged Stuart Levine, a former member of the pension board, with using his influence for corruption.

“Rezko used his relationship with certain state of Illinois officials to ensure that Rezko and Levine had the ability to influence the actions of (state boards) for the benefit of themselves and their nominees and associates,” the indictment said. […]

The indictment alleges that Rezko and Levine shared in a kickback of about $1 million, from a contractor already indicted in the hospital board investigation, to assist Mercy Hospital in receiving state approval to build a new hospital in Crystal Lake.

*** UPDATE 4 *** If I were you, I’d be checking this website around noon.

*** UPDATE 5 *** CLTV will be covering the press conference live at 1pm, but we’re not sure yet whether it’ll be online, or where else it might be. I’d bet that WBBM radio will carry it, but I’m not sure yet. I’m asking around now. Check back in a few.

*** UPDATE 6 *** Just to fill you in a bit, the rumor has been for weeks that Rezko was in the Middle East negotiating his plea. The word was that he was threatening never to return to the US unless he got a good deal. ~~He just got back this week.~~

*** UPDATE 7 *** ABC7:

Kelly’s lawyer said this morning he was unaware of any criminal charges being filed against his client, and there was no indication charges against Kelly were imminent.

*** UPDATE 8 *** You can download Rezko’s indictment here. [pdf file]

*** UPDATE 9 *** “Rezko used his relationship with certain State of Illinois officials to ensure that Rezko and Levine had the ability to influence the actions of TRS and the Planning Board for the benefit of themselves hand their nominees and associates.”

*** UPDATE 10 *** “Rezko sought to influence certain State of Illinois officials, in order to ensure that Levine and persons allied with Rezko and Levine, retained and obtained membership on the TRS Board and the Planning Board that enabled Rezko and Levine to influence the actions of those boards…”

*** UPDATE 11 *** “[As part of the scheme in “Update 10″] when certain State of Illinois officials advocated consolidating TRS, the Illinois State Board of Investment and the State University Retirement System into a single pension fund, Levine and Individual A approached Rezko and Invidual B for assistance in defeating this proposal. Rezko and individual B agreed to use their relationships and influence with high-ranking state of Illinois officials to oppose the pension consolidation plan, and in exchange, Levine and Individual A agreed to use their influence and Levine’s position at TRS to ensure that TRS used investment5 firms and hired lawyers identified by Rezko and Individual B.”

*** UPDATE 12 *** [After Rezko and Levine agreed that Levine should be reappointed to the TRS board] “Rezko instructed a state of Illinois employee responsible for facilitating appointments to state boards to move forward on Levine’s reappointment to the TRS Board, and represented that the reappointment had been approved by a high-ranking state official. The high-ranking state official subsequently directed that Levine be reappointed to the TRS board. Also in or about May 2004, two new members were appointed to the TRS Board who voted with Levine on matters of interest to Rezko and Levine.”

*** UPDATE 13 *** [in the spring of 2004, Rezko, Levine and Individual A] “did attempt to commit extortion… in that the defendant attempted to obtain property, in the form of payments from Investment Firm 7 and Individual J to a consultant identified by Rezko and Levine or political donations to a candidate identified by Rezko and Levine…”

*** UPDATE 14 *** “In or about April, 2004, Rezko and Levine agreed to use their influence and Levine’s position at TRS to prevent Investment Firm 7 from getting its $220 million allocation unless Individual J agreed either to pay an approximately $2 million fee chosen by Rezko and Levine, or to arrange for approximately $1.5 million in political contributions to be made to a certain public official. […]

“Rezko and Levine further agreed that Levine would arrange for an intermediary, namely Individual A, to indicate to Individual J that Investment Firm 7 had not received its $220 million allocation because Investment Firm 7 had not contributed significantly to a certain public official.”

*** UPDATE 15 *** [The Investment firm refused to be extorted, however, and threatened to go to the coppers, so the plans were dropped.] “Rezko, Levine, Individual A and Individual B… agreed that although Investment Firm 7 woiuld receive the $220 million allocation, it would not receive any further business from any state of Illinois entity, including TRS.

*** UPDATE 16 *** Tribune:

Sources said investigators were waiting to see whether Rezko would return from a trip overseas this past weekend. When Rezko did not return, authorities made the decision to unseal the indictment and get an arraignment date and time from the court.

If Rezko does not appear for his scheduled arraignment on Friday afternoon, he will be considered a fugitive, the sources said.

Levine’s attorney, Jeffrey Steinback, has said Levine will plead guilty in the case and cooperate with prosecutors. A longtime Chicago developer and active supporter of Republicans and Democrats, Rezko’s closest political ties have been with Blagojevich, especially in recent years.

*** UPDATE 17 *** AP:

His attorney, Joseph Duffy, said in an interview Tuesday night with The Associated Press that he did not know Rezko’s whereabouts. He said he had spoken with Rezko by phone last week but did not know where he was then.

*** UPDATE 18 *** “Individual A had longstanding relationships with TRS trustees, including Levine and TRS staff members and was associated with a real estate asset management firm that managed hundreds of millions of dollars on behalf of TRS.

“Individual B was a political fundraiser and an associate of Rezko.”

*** UPDATE 19 *** NBC5 Live video link

*** UPDATE 20 *** ABC7 live coverage

*** UPDATE 21 *** Fitzgerald: “I’m not going to comment as to who’s involved other than what’s in the indictment.” [..]

[Influencing election?] Fitzgerald: “We’re not concerned with elections, we’re concerned with bringing the cases as soon as they’re ready to go…. If we did not… people will say ‘Why did you do that?… Not doing it for political reasons and not going to not do it for political reasons.”

*** UPDATE 22 *** Fitzgerald: “Feeding frenzy going on in the spring of 2004″

Fitzgerald: “Pay to play on steroids”

*** UPDATE 23 *** [Why… a month before an election… talk about whether Blagojevich is a target of this investigation?] Fitzgerald: “We have never commented on people who are not charged, and I’m not going to do it.”

*** UPDATE 24 *** Remember the Sun-Times story from last month about a criminal investigation of whether pension business was traded for contributions to Gov. Blagojevich? The piece included this bit.

The sources identified those involved as former TRS board member Stuart Levine; top Blagojevich fund-raisers Antoin “Tony” Rezko and Christopher G. Kelly, and longtime Springfield insider William Cellini.

Also from September of last year is this Sun-Times lede.

A state teachers’ pension board member who is a business associate of Republican powerbroker William Cellini has voted to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in pension cash in a real estate investment firm that Cellini founded.

*** UPDATE 25 *** WBBM Radio reports that Rezko is expected to appear at Friday’s arraignment hearing.

*** UPDATE 26 *** Joe Birkett plans a press conference for 2:30 this afternoon.

*** UPDATE 27 *** LOL. From the AP:

A spokeswoman for Blagojevich’s administration did not immediately return a call for comment.

[Comments are now closed on this thread. Go here instead.]

140 Comments

Tribune “debate” coverage *** Updated x2 ***

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

[Updated and bumped to the top. Check out Phil Ponce’s comments in Update #2]

The Tribune’s full debate story is now online.

Sitting side-by-side in the wood-paneled Tribune editorial board room in what is likely to be their last face-to-face meeting before the Nov. 7 election, Blagojevich sought to rebut ethical questions that have clouded his first term, while Topinka tried to make the case that she has the vision to be governor.

But each candidate left voters with more questions to ponder after a 101-minute forum in which Blagojevich stayed largely on message by focusing on his list of accomplishments and Topinka responded with sarcasm and accusations of scandal. […]

Topinka, the three-term state treasurer, repeatedly responded to questions about how she would improve the state by criticizing Blagojevich’s failures and accusing him of being an absentee governor. She maintained her office does not issue no-bid contracts, but she struggled to explain that some no-bid contracts are, in fact, awarded.

“We bid absolutely everything, including what we don’t have to bid,” Topinka said. Later, she said, “We bid everything, unless, again, we have these artistic and professional contracts that we have, which are usually for a temporary service.”

The entire transcript is here, but the Tribune has posted only excerpts of the audio:

* On whether he’s hired criminal defense counsel - he doesn’t answer

* On the check to his daughter and the job for his pal’s wife

* On pensions

Meanwhile, the Daily Herald had this response from the Topinka campaign:

Topinka spokesman John McGovern said Blagojevichâ€™s refusal to say â€œyesâ€ or â€œnoâ€ on the defense attorney question speaks volumes.

â€œLike all the questions surrounding these scandals, Rod Blagojevich has a responsibility to talk directly to the voters and answer a few simple questions,â€ McGovern said.

Blagojevich spokeswoman Sheila Nix said Winston & Strawn lawyers â€œhave dealt with a whole range of issuesâ€ and added thereâ€™s been no change otherwise on the governorâ€™s campaign legal counsel.

And the AP had the post-debate action.

“She’s in the tank for the NRA and it’s very disheartening,” Blagojevich said of Topinka. […]

On the issue of the $1,500 check, Topinka called Blagojevich’s answer “blurry.”

Blagojevich again maintained there was nothing improper about the gift and no connection to the job his friend’s wife got. […]

After the newspaper meeting, Blagojevich said he knows he has little chance of winning the Tribune’s endorsement because they typically favor Republican candidates for the state’s top job.

And Carol Marin bemoans the Blagojevich campaign’s written acceptance then ducking of the WTTW debate.

No one from the governor’s campaign, according “Chicago Tonight” executive producer Mary Field, ever once said that Blagojevich’s confirmation was contingent on negotiations with Topinka’s people for the scheduling of other events. There is no correspondence to that effect. No communications of any kind. […]

So imagine WTTW’s surprise when it discovered that the Blagojevich folks had decided to do a different debate on that very same day. And then, late on Friday, Blagojevich issued an ultimatum to Topinka that if she doesn’t agree to his latest debate proposals, then there would be no debates at all. […]

Can the Blago folks spell “disingenuous”?

A couple of years ago, state lawmakers from his own party were so disgusted with the governor not keeping his word that for the first time in anyone’s memory, they made him put his promises in writing. We now know even that is hardly a fail-safe system.

*** UPDATE *** The State Journal-Register tries to fire things up with today’s editorial.

â€œThe pattern, and the conclusion to be drawn, is clear; Rod Blagojevich is afraid to debate me, and he is trying to hide behind Judy Baar Topinkaâ€™s skirt, and blame her, for his response of cutting and running. That is why, on the two occasions on which he has scuttled previously agreed to debates, he has arrogantly refused to provide any explanation to the debate sponsors or to the people of this state,â€ said Whitney.

Wow, governor! Are you going to take that? Are you afraid of a Green guy? Hiding behind Judyâ€™s skirt? Cutting and running? Those are fighting words! You canâ€™t legally duel in Illinois anymore, but that calls for at least a debate or two, doesnâ€™t it?

*** UPDATE 2 *** WTTW kindly provided me with a transcript of Chicago Tonight host Phil Ponce’s comments at the end of last evening’s program. Phil really let the guv have it but good.

And now an editor’s note on a story involving “Chicago Tonight” that you may have seen on the news or read about in the paper.

Governor Blagojevich and Judy Baar Topinka had agreed to debate here on Chicago Tonight later this month — a debate sponsored by the City Club of Chicago– a respected bi-partisan group. The date had been agreed to by both candidates. But the governor has now pulled out and as it currently stands– no more debates will take place — here or anywhere.

We think that stinks. And if you’re not insulted as a citizen, you should be.

Be clear about this: the governor has gone back on his word–the interests of the voters apparently trumped by the political needs of an incumbent who’s ahead in the polls. And who apparently doesn’t want to answer some tough questions. Questions about a $1500 birthday gift, about federal investigations, about changing Springfieldâ€™s culture of corruption.

We hope the governor changes his mind. Not for our sake — but for yours. After all, you deserve to hear from candidates who want your vote. How about it governor? Our door is still open.

30 Comments

Reality check on electric rates

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - Posted by Capitol Fax Blog Advertising Department

[The following is a paid advertisement]

Chicago Tribune editorial (excerpts)

Published on October 11, 2006

Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka didn’t agree on much when they visited the Tribune (editorial board). But they were of one mind on this: They’re more than willing to pander to voters by extending a freeze on electricity rates, even though they know that could jeopardize the financial health of utilities in Illinois.

Topinka and Blagojevich were asked: How would extending the freeze lead to a competitive market in electricity? Neither could answer.

In fact, extending the freeze would make it less likely that a competitive market would continue to develop for consumers in Illinois. But that’s not the worst consequence of this idea.

Rep. George Scully (D-Flossmoor), chairman of the House committee, said he wouldn’t mind seeing the utility under the supervision of a bankruptcy court.

Now think about that. Scully is suggesting he would prefer to push into bankruptcy the company that keeps the lights on in northern Illinois.

This is a critical economic issue for the state–potentially dangerous for the Illinois economy–and it just can’t be handled as a pre-election political stunt.

If it does come to bankruptcy and blackouts, the politicians will have a hard time explaining why they aren’t entirely to blame.

Comments Off

Question of the day

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

This is probably the most-asked question I get these days in private conversation, and even in public forums. Everyone’s talking about it, and I assume that since the guv wouldn’t answer the Tribune’s questions about whether he’s retained criminal defense counsel the chatter will crank up even higher.

However, to avoid all weirdness, I want today’s QOTD to be a reader poll. Please confine your answers to “Yes,” “No,” or “I don’t know.” Everything else will be deleted. No names, no rants.

Question: Do you believe Gov. Rod Blagojevich will ever be indicted by the feds? (Before or after the election is irrelevant to this question.)

Remember, “Yes,” “No,” or “I don’t know” are the only acceptable responses. Anything beyond that will be deleted and those who violate this requirement - as well as multiple voters - risk permanent banishment from the blog itself. We still have almost four weeks to go until the election, so you wouldn’t want to be banned now, would you?

149 Comments

Junk ban approved

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

The governor got his junk food ban, just in time for the election.

Elementary- and middle-school pupils will not be able to buy snacks with high fat, sugar or calorie content before and during the school day under new state rules approved Tuesday.

While existing state rules already prohibit the sale of junk food in elementary schools during breakfast and lunch, they did not apply to the entire school day or to middle schools as the new rules do. High schools are not affected by the changes.

Under the rules, juice sold in schools must contain 50 percent or more juice, while water must be non-flavored, non-carbonated and unsweetened. Snacks that will be allowed for sale include nuts, seeds, cheese, fruit, non-fried vegetables and low-fat yogurt products.

Any other item must contain no more than 200 calories total and meet restrictions on fat and sugar content.

Legislators complained, but the proposal was approved by JCAR.

“This is pre-election puffery, rather than a very thoughtful, comprehensive approach to children’s nutrition and health,” said state Rep. Larry McKeon, a Chicago Democrat who sits on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules.

McKeon and seven other JCAR members, including two Republicans who broke ranks, agreed to lift a previous prohibition on rules the Blagojevich administration had sought to impose on K-8 schools in Illinois. Under them, vending-machine fare such as candy and soda cannot be sold during the entire school day; the items previously were off-limits at elementary schools during breakfast and lunch hours, Blagojevich’s office said.

McKeon said his reservations include concerns that rules promulgated by the Illinois State Board of Education may be inconsistent with new federal standards for school food. He also questioned why the governor’s education agency wants to implement the plan immediately, rather than give schools until Jan. 1 to become familiar with it.

State Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, R-Des Plaines, said she cast her “yes” vote with “great reluctance” because Blagojevich’s timing right before the election is suspicious.

17 Comments

Duckworth can’t answer question *** Updated x2 ***

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

It’s not often that a candidate, or anyone else for that matter, is asked the question that Tammy Duckworth was asked yesterday. Good for the Daily Herald. [emphasis added]

Sixth Congressional District Democrat Tammy Duckworth tried to capitalize on the recent spate of school shootings by citing them as she criticized her opponentâ€™s record on gun control Tuesday.

But when pressed to name what gun laws could have prevented the attacks in Pennsylvania, Colorado and elsewhere, Duckworth couldnâ€™t name any.

â€œYes, there are going to be aberrations, but frankly we need overall better gun laws in this country,â€ said Duckworth at a news conference at a Lombard park.

The Hoffman Estates Iraq war veteran brought up the school shootings as she criticized President Bush for excluding gun control groups from his Tuesday summit on school violence.

Too often, candidates are allowed to demagogue with a “there oughtta be a law” statement without any sort of journalistic follow-up. Also, too often after major tragedies, people propose solutions that never would have prevented the events in question, yet somehow they are allowed to skate free. Duckworth didn’t get a free pass this time.

*** UPDATE *** Today’s Tribune story of the same press event is a good example of how gun control candidates get off too easy.

*** UPDATE 2 *** Dan Curry, a blogger who also works for the Topinka campaign, noted the above remarks and applied them to today’s AP coverage of Gov. Blagojevich.

Today, AP should have shown similar toughness when giving Rod Blagojevich a free ride on one of his talking points during this campaign â€” his position in favor of a ban on assault weapons. His attack on Judy Baar Topinka on this issue hardly is news compared to revelations at the Tribune editorial board that a sitting governor refuses to reveal whether he is using the services of a criminal defense attorney. Yet AP played assault weapons higher in the story.

Itâ€™s not particularly newsworthy because the Democrats control every lever of power in Illinois. If AP is going to do Rodâ€™s bidding on this issue, it ought to have the journalistic toughness to ask Rod why, with a Democratic Governor and Democratic General Assembly, he couldnâ€™t successfully pass an assault weapon ban in Springfield the last three years?

29 Comments

Stroger and Peraica swing hard

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

ABC7 starts out our Stroger-Peraica debate roundup:

‘Two-faced’ Tony Peraica took on ‘Blissfully Ignorant’ Todd Stroger in another round of mud-slinging in race for Cook County Board president. The two candidates took turns calling each other names during a debate at the Chicago Union League Club.

“Tom Roeser has a name for my opponent: ‘Two-faced Tony,’” said Ald. Todd Stroger, (D) Cook County Board presidential candidate, referring to a political weblog. Peraica (R) fired back with his own name for Stroger, who has never served in county government.

“Alderman Stroger, you are just ‘blissfully ignorant’ of the facts or just poorly informed,” said Commissioner Peraica.

The name-calling set a less than civil tone at the debate. Peraica called the Cook County democrats’ selection of Todd to follow in his father’s footsteps ‘a national embarrassment.’

Stroger’s missed votes in Springfield also came up.

Peraica tried to poke holes in Stroger’s claim he is a “Bill Clinton Democrat,” who is committed to anti-gun laws. Peraica said Stroger was one of only a handful of “present” votes in the Legislature on three popular anti-crime measures, including one to increase penalties for breaking gun laws on school grounds.

Overall, Stroger voted present or was absent for 628 votes during his time in Springfield, Peraica said. […]

Stroger said he was out of the chamber when those votes took place in 1993 and his seatmates in the Legislature voted for him. He said he knew his vote wasn’t crucial since all three measures had strong support.

The Tribune noted a curious link on Peraica’s government website.

They also traded barbs over Peraica’s official county Web site, which contained links leading to his private law practice.

Stroger called the presence of such a link “unethical.”

Peraica replied that he is “a citizen-politician.”

“Among other things listed on that Web site is a way to have me contacted in my other private businesses in case I am not available at the county offices,” said Peraica. “No business has come from that site.”

Nevertheless, Peraica agreed to remove the link by the end of the day Tuesday.

And the Daily Herald notes how the candidates repeated their main themes.

While the new topics were prompted mostly by questions asked by WBBM radioâ€™s Craig Dellimore, who moderated the debate, both candidates also made sure to pound their No. 1 themes.

â€œThe reason Todd Stroger was picked (by Democratic committeemen for the November ballot) was to continue patronage hiring,â€ said Peraica. â€œIn fact, he was picked to preserve and protect the status quo.â€

Stroger countered, â€œAll it takes is one person, with the stroke of a pen, to ban abortions at Cook County Hospital.â€

8 Comments

Morning shorts

Wednesday, Oct 11, 2006 - Posted by Rich Miller

* The Blagojevich campaign has a complete list of early voting polling places posted on iits website.

* Giannoulias Defends Donations From Bank Clients

* Sweet: House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, with his job on the line because of the spiraling Mark Foley cyberspace page sex scandal, was duped Tuesday into letting a stranger into his Plano home — a serious security breach. Hastert literally let his guard down and allowed in his house a hustling, self-promoting evangelist little known in this country, the Houston-based K.A. Paul, who at 7:30 a.m. arrived at the speaker’s home with a camera-wielding associate. [More here]

* Southtown editorial: Negative political TV ads don’t do voters any favors

* Richards: Tax swap is only way to fix schools

* Blesch: ‘When people are uninsured, everyone pays’

* McQueary: Topinka — the Cliff’s Notes version

* Blankenship: In the short term, Topinka offers better fix for Medicaid

* IL 10th District Race Price Tag Rises

2 Comments

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