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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.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:03 am

Comments

I’m beginning to think that Illinois Campaign for Political Reform might be a could place to start.

Comment by Anon N Spfld Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:18 am
Yes, they should dump all of the ill-gotten gains of their larceny and fraud. The money should go to Blags favorite charity (or is that his slush fund?), the state employee’s pension fund.

Comment by Southern Illinoisian Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:25 am
There’s the practical problem of trying to figure out how to attribute Rezko-raised contributions. My suggestion would be to return all contributions from people/corporations that subsequently got contracts from the state. This would bankrupt the political consultants, though.

And what is up with Jones?! Does he have a tin ear, or what? First, his blatant support of Com Ed and trashing of Marty Cohen, and now continuing to take contributions from Rezko. In this environment, I’d advise him to clean up his act.

Comment by the Other Anonymous Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:26 am
The money should go to help the indigent who can’t get their hospital bills reduced or waived by the so-called non-profit hospitals in Illinois.

Comment by Angie Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:30 am
Dump it in the State Pensions where he tried to defraud.

Comment by He Makes Ryan look like a saint Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:31 am
With the most sincerity I can muster, I would suggest that all candidates donate the Rezko money to an organization called The Fisher House. This non-profit organization builds houses close to military hospitals and provides free or very low cost housing to the families of our injured military coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan so they can stay near their injured family member. It’s like the Ronald McDonald concept of housing but it is strictly for military. I hope my family never sees the inside of a Fisher House.

And Ronald McDonald Foundation is not a bad idea either, since GoverNOT Hairdo claims to be such an advocate for child healthcare.

Comment by Little Egypt Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:33 am
These guys are not stupid. They keep a running total of what contributions are connected to who. Blago knows to the penny how much Tony has brought to his campaign. They will have to rip those $$$ from his cold greedy hands. Only one person can do that.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:33 am
All statewide Green Party candidates voluntarily opt to return Rezko tainted $$$. Oh wait, we don’t have to worry about that! Greens don’t differentiate between politics and principles- for Greens the two are inextricably entwined. Had enough? VOTE GREEN!

Comment by It is easy being Green Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:37 am
They should give it to the John M. Shimkus Foundation for Exploited Children.

Comment by Snark Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:44 am
How about the people who were robbed of the money in the first place? Forget charity, give it back!

Comment by Wumpus DBA Charity Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:44 am
Yes â€“ including money he helped them raise. The indictment alleges that he not only enriched himself with the scheme (tainting personal monies he donated), but also illicitly solicited funds for â€œa certain public officialâ€ as well. Until we know exactly who that public official is, any incumbent whom Rezko helped raise funds for is suspect, and should (for their own sake) divest themselves of that cash.

Where should it go? How about into the Teacher Pension System, or any of the other pension funds that Blago has cut payments to since becoming Governor? That would seem the most fitting to me.

Comment by grand old partisan Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:47 am
They should definately donate ALL money raised by Rezko. Why? Simple–wasn’t Rezko asking people to make direct contributions to Blago’s campaign? I suggest that the money be given to an organization like the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform or at least some independent organization who’s mission is combatting problems exactly like this!

Comment by Squideshi Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:48 am
2nd Ward Alderman Madeline Haithcock has raised TONS of cash from Rezko and affiliated persons and entities. She’s on the ropes now, in a political fight for her life. 2nd Ward residents despise Haithcock because she is owned by developers, is undependable and abusive, and is completely inept at delivering constituent services.

It’s doubtful that someone with Haithcock’s hubris will give up all the Rezko cash that has made it in her coffers since 2002 (when Rezko was going to build a mega development at Clark and Roosevelt). But if she does donate it, a worthy cause would be toward historic preservation. That would at least partly make up for the out of control development she profited from in the 2nd Ward.

Comment by Ward Watcher Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:49 am
Since every tax paying citizen in Illinois is affected by this why not pay some of the states outstanding bills. Plenty to pick from, and we’ll pay for them one way or another!

Comment by Belle Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 9:50 am
Of course the tainted money should be donated. But this may well be a large portion of Blago’s 50 million he has raised …I think more pressure should be placed on him to give up the “real” money.

I suggest they donate the money to Sangamon County Crimestoppers.

Comment by COMMON WEALTH ROCKS Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:02 am
Hey Rich & BlogBuddies:
How about revising the question. Let’s add the Levine contributions too? Lets be “fair” and only count post ‘02 contributions. Refunders should include:
JBT, Rutherford, House GOP, IL Republican Party, Cook County Republican Leadership Council (a “Big Mo” Murphy front group) Asseessor Houlihan, Burnham Committee (Fast Eddie Burke front) Cicero Good Govt. Committee (probably an FastERV front group)
We could add the Ryans, but …let’s just be kind and current.
What ya think?

Comment by DuPage Dandy Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:08 am
Well of course they should donate every penny of the Rezko money to a worthy charity.

My question is, with Lisa Madigan also tainted by this Rezko thing, will her Repub opponent Stu Umholz finally be heard from?

Maybe the returned donations could go to Search for the GOP Ticket. For the price of a daily cup of coffee, Search for the GOP Ticket will help locate a Republican in need. Call now and you’ll get a letter and photo from your adopted statewide Republican candidate.

Comment by RealClear Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:12 am
DuPage Dandy,
I’m assuming you don’t have too many friends in your neighborhood. You should move to Chicago where your heart is.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:18 am
Sorry Dandy but that does’nt have legs.What does have is your dear Blago’s buddy being indicted can’t spin this one,and by this time next week we could be talking Blago indicted.So let’s leave the money for Blago’s defense.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:19 am
We wouldn’t have a deficit if the Democats put all of there ill-gotten funds in the state coffers. Add in George/Lee and a few others we’d have a surplus.

Comment by frustrated GOP Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:22 am
How about a law, such funds go to your opponent.
Could make everyone a little more careful on where they get their money.

Comment by frustrated GOP Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:24 am
It depends on which money is which. If it’s money that was raised as a quid pro quo to get contracts from the state, then it should be donated to a worthy charity (the one Little Egypt mentioned above sounds good). If it was raised only with the hope that it would result in more business out of which the donor in question might get a piece of the pie, then that’s OK; or in the off case if it was donated legitimately with no strings attached, then that would be OK too.

Comment by cermak_rd Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:25 am
If I was not retiring December 31, 2006 I would introduce next year a constitutional amendment resoulution in the house limiting the terms of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to two terms. I doubt, however, that it would get out of the rules committee. It probally should apply to all constitutional officers but would get less support.

I am not concerned with legislature because, according to several studies, over 90% of the offices turn over every 10 years. In addition, term limits on legislative offices significantly reduces the knowledge, expertise and experience within the legislative branch of government. This significantly increases the power and influence of entrench bureaucrats and their elected leaders.

If there is a groundswell of support I would take this on as a project in post-retirement.

Comment by Larry McKeon Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:31 am
Yes, all should donate the money and “all” should include any money received from Rezko in the past four years by any currently serving politician. They had to suspect it was tainted as they are all part of the political listening posts. The worrisome part here is that surely these people suspected that Rezko was somewhat suspicious and still took the money. You just gotta love these guys â€œ…why I had no idea he was crookedâ€¦.â€. Yeah, right. Corruption is rampant, greed and avarice abound, and stupidity is used to avoid prosecution. I do declare, I think the Green Party is looking better and better every day. That boy needs to run some TV ads!

Comment by Justice Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:32 am
Tony’s a no show.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:39 am
Larry,
At this rate we really don’t need term limits for governors. Because of all the experience, the Feds are now more efficient in the investigation/prosecution of current & former governors.

Because of the “Illinois Template” I’m sure a good investigation and prosecution can be done in about 5-6 years. At this rate, no IL governor will ever make it beyond two terms!!
;-)

Comment by Animous Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:45 am
how about does republicans like BIG BILL CELLINI and mr LEVINE what about all the money they have sold from us taxs payers over the last 26 yrs. Oh sorry not suppost to talk about REPUBLICAN that way. Because their so good [ BS ] their more corruption then what the democrats would ever be. SO RICH START WRITING ABOUT ALL YOU CORRUPTION REPUBLICAN BODY FOR ONCE. and ask judy baby what is she going to do with the money MR CELLINI [ the BIG A she been talking about] gave her over the last year. And lets dont forget LITTLE JIMMY EDGAR. And rich i have ten bucks to your one you wont talk about your bodys the REPUBLICANS. Iam voting for ROD this time.

Comment by quincy Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:45 am
Give the $ to the American Red Cross, not some political org or just something local because its local. One thing is for sure: Red Cross always needs it and the $ will always go to help someone.

Me, personally, though - why return the money? Yeah, Rezko is indicted. Indicted. Not convicted. Sorry, but if he was my friend then, he would be my friend now. And for every last one of these so-called public servants, the money they are returning will not really impact their campaigns. So, lets tell the truth…its all for show; to placate a public the majority of which, well, would do just about anything for a buck themselves.

Then again, these are cut-and-run times we live in and politicians do it the best. There’s just no gesture like a disingenuous one.

Comment by The Picolo Player is a... Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:53 am
I don’t think candidates have to give his contributions back unless they and their staff or their official actions are tied to these charges. The Governor is clearly on the hotseat, but if this story hit on Nov. 8 nobody would be giving a dime back until after there was a conviction, I bet.

Rich did you see the Lisa Madigan soundbyte on this topic on ABC7 last night? It was very pointed. Something like “he campaigned on a plan to clean up government and these accusations are very hard for the citizens of our state to have to hear all over again.”

Comment by Goodbye Napoleon Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:54 am
Rich, Did PAPA Tony show up today??

Comment by Larry Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:55 am
The money should be donated to the US Attorney’s Office - Northern Illinois, for additional overtime to ‘resolve’ the investigation (read issue indictments) more quickly. But since that won’t happen, the money should be placed in the State Employee’s Pension Fund.

Comment by Cat Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:58 am
Quincy,
Nice version of history, but just a couple of points:

1.) “One Trick Rod” campaigned almost exclusively on ending Business As Usual (especially downstate). It now appears he intentionally had no interest in doing so, and, in fact has looked the other way for two years after being informed of various pay-to-play schemes created (or to use your example, CONTINUED) ON HIS WATCH.

2.) I find it interesting that if you added up all the alleged (or ultimately proven) corruption under the previous 26 years of Repub administrations it is LESS than what’s being alleged under just 4 years of Blago. (Hello, 12 federal investigations???)

Way to play “Catch Up” Rod!

Comment by Animous Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 10:59 am
What I find stange about this whole thing is Rod’s attitude. Watching that press conference the other night. Rod was doing everything possible to keep a somber face. But you could see the twinkle in his eyes. He finds this whole thing amusing. He knows more than we do and looks like he knows the Feds don’t have a case against him. I suspect someone in Rods intercircle or family are probably keeping in contact with Tony. Tony will not give him up and Rods seems pretty confident of that.

Comment by Anonymous Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 11:03 am
to Larry, who asked if Papa Tony showed up today:

Apparently he did not show. His attorney said he is out of the country, but will return soon.

Comment by anon Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 11:07 am
Downstate:
While we are very use dumb comments out here, your thoughts make little sense to me
Whether Blaggo gets indicted or not is on a different train track than whether the Levine $ is more slimey than Rezko’s cash.
It is is similiar to the question why a Hired Truck guy who lives in DuPage is a big Crook in Cook, but a respected County official here in Wheaton. I guess Birkett’s flacks can explain one for us. Or how a McHenry County mope can get away with writing about perverts.
So let the “Letting Go of the Levine Largess” Commence!

r

Comment by DuPage Dandy Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 11:07 am
Rezko was a “no show” today.

Cue Tommy Lee Jones:

“What I want out of each and every one of you is a hard target search of every gas station, residence, warehouse, farmhouse, henhouse, outhouse, and dog house in that area.”

Comment by Phocion Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 11:08 am
Yes they should donate it. Perhaps a disaster relief fund for here in Illinois for the next tornado, snow storm or whatever may befall the land of Lincoln next.

Comment by leigh Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 11:13 am
All direct funds and indirect funds should be donated to the John Kass Foundation for the further study of the “Illinois Combine.” This is the stuff that Kass has been talking about for years.

Republicrats. Demopublicans. Those opportunists in Illinois that jump from party to party based on who is in power, or who support both sides.

After all, it all came from “Combine” sources.

Blagojevich said he was going to “rock the system.” He wasn’t kidding. The fallout will eventually be massive.

In the meantime there are all kinds of decent people running for State House, County Board, State Senate, etc. throughout Illinois who can’t get any ink or TV time whatsoever, and who are scrambling to raise nickles and dimes for mailings and palm cards, that aren’t being supported by the Big Four in Springfield.

Let’s all concentrate on electing them. That would be the best way to “rock the system.”

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 11:30 am
Still don’t understand that what I am saying is the minute Blago gets busted on something you spinners get on here and try to throw it off on the repubs.It is about what to do with the money Rezko gave Blago.Little E is right about more housing since we have several bases in Illinois.

Comment by DOWNSTATE Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 11:35 am
It’s interesting how the comments & support for Blago now that another one of his inner circle is indicted mirror the comments & support for Ryan when indictments were coming. The ’state of denial’ is bipartisan. Instead of ‘rock the state’ it’ll be ‘doing time on the rock’. Doubt the crafter of that slogan ever thought it could come back to haunt him! In time for Halloween!

Comment by Belle Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 11:53 am
If Rexko $$ was gained by illegal methods, let the Feds seize it all; Rezko, Governor, Lt Governor, SOS, all congressmen/women who have been enjoying the benefits of illegally obtained $$….. repay and cough it all up.
Then return the $$ to who it came from. All excess or unknown source $$ gets sent to each of the public watchdog groups; to pay the state’s unpaid bills, to eliminate the Tollway Authority and pay off bonds [make it real open road] and to rebuild each IL agency that has been stripped in last 3.7 years. Or maybe build tourist viewing rooms with big lexan windows at federal penitentiaries so we can all watch IL government in action.

Comment by North of I-80 Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 11:53 am
Will the Governor be contributing to charities the cash equivalent of the personal gifts he and his family received? We know it was more than $500, but we’re not sure how much more.

Comment by Budget Watcher Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 12:46 pm
Rich,

Six months or so ago, you had a QOTD on the pros and cons of publicly financing campaigns.

Maybe this is a good moment to ask again.

Comment by Ivory-billed Woodpecker Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 12:50 pm
Blago would have had to stop doing TV adds months ago if gave back all of his Rezko money. Too late! But he could give back what’s left.

Comment by EmbarrassedNillinois Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 1:14 pm
Louis G. Atsaves writes:
“In the meantime there are all kinds of decent people running for State House, County Board, State Senate, etc. throughout Illinois who canâ€™t get any ink or TV time whatsoever, and who are scrambling to raise nickles and dimes for mailings and palm cards, that arenâ€™t being supported by the Big Four in Springfield.”

I love the way you think! Here are two links to help readers find those candidates: whitneyforgov.org and ilgp.org

Let’s stop the Illinois Political Combine in it’s tracks. Send a message to Springfield that HAS to be heard: VOTE GREEN, VOTE WHITNEY!

Comment by It is easy being Green Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 1:59 pm
Dirty money should not be donated to anyone. It should be seized by the proper authorities. We don’t allow burglars to donate there loot, after being caught.

Comment by Blogopster Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 2:14 pm
The money should go to various Chicago schools for text books. I was horrified when I saw the condition of Jake’s school books.

Comment by Rex Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 2:26 pm
Tainted money should be donated to the Hair Impaired or the Mansion maintenance fund.

Comment by one of the 35 Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 2:52 pm
North of I-80, you are a saint!!!

As far as the charities go, I think it would be a real bi-partisan gesture to donate it to the place that disgraced former Congressman Mark Foley wants it… NAMBLA…
Or if Rod wanted to be selfish, he could give it to the Hair Club for Men!!!

Comment by Lovie's Leather Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 3:25 pm
The money should be donated to all the employees from the State of Illinois agencies who were screwed out of their jobs the past 3 years 9 months.

Comment by Billy Boy Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 3:29 pm
Is Mark Kirk going to return the money he got from Tony Rezko? Or, maybe he can give it to one of Jack Abramoff or Tom DeLay’s fake charity front groups.

Comment by NW burbs Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 4:17 pm
if dirty money should be donated. BIG BILL CELLINI would be broke and paing for alot JUDY babys campain and buy jobs for all those republicans over the past 26 yrs. Look out Mr. Cellini your next if you dont buy off the DA like youve done for years. BUT YOU REPUBLICANS STILL DONT LIKE IT WHEN SOMEONE TALKS ABOUT. SO COME RICH LETS SEE YOU WRITE ABOUT ALL YOUR REPUBLICAN BODYS. I know and all RUPUBLICAN bodys know it to.

Comment by quincy Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 4:20 pm
Hey Quincy your right but slow down a liitle on your typing get all your words in. I have to agree Republicans dont like to be talked about and Rich wont talk about them. Glade to see BIG BILL CELLINI as mr AAAA in the indiments and not ROD.

Comment by taxs man Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 4:28 pm
How about donating the money to an English tutor for “quincy”??

Comment by Anonymous ZZZ Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 4:32 pm
quincy- go read Rich’s “Cellini Stuff” posting.

Comment by Shallow Pharnyx Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 5:08 pm
I find it amusing that in the press conference Rod is so shocked that his good friend could have done this, and then subsequently does not skip a beat donating the money to charity before Tony goes through due process. Does Rod know something he’s not letting on?

Comment by ed e ved Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 5:09 pm
Surprise, surprise, Emil keeps the cash. With the amount of money he gets from ComEd and Exelon, he should have the retirement of an Arab shiek. Another politician with no conscience.

Comment by Martha Mitchell Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 5:59 pm
You Know What the Great Gov. Will keep telling
Lies until he is Elected Again !!!!

No More Business as USUAL / WHAT A JOKE !!!!!!

WAKE UP VOTERS!!!!!

If you want this State of Illinois to be

Really Broke $$$$ Go ahead and Vote Again
For HOT ROD !!!!

What About Accountability or Ethics

They have been put into the Trash Can Again!!!

There has been NO reform as promised !!!

Comment by grateful Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 8:35 pm
The money should be spent on removing Rod’s name from every tollway sign, public building, billboard, and stray dog it’s been plastered on for the last five years. Erase him!

Comment by It is written Friday, Oct 13, 06 @ 8:36 pm
Shouldn’t all this money be given to Winston & Strawn for their magnanimous gesture in defending that noble soul, former Governor George Ryan, for “no charge”?

Big Jim had the best interests of the State of Illinois citizens and taxpayers as his motivating factor. Why, if it weren’t for George Ryan, the Illinois GOP would not find itself to be at the secure and lofty position that it now finds itself in. We owe a great deal (especially the Illinois Republican Party) to George Ryan and the firm of Winston & Strawn. I say, “Give the money to Big Jim and Winston & Strawn, who have sacrificed so much to see that justice and the Illinois citizens have been served. They certainly deserve it.”

I wonder if they will also be picking up the tab when they represent Governor Blagojevich? Will that be another “freebie” courtesy of Big Jim, or will Winston & Strawn make Rod give them a retainer? Inquiring minds would like to know.

Comment by Beowulf Saturday, Oct 14, 06 @ 6:55 am
the Ward Watcher guy is right on target about Haithcock and her ties with Rezko. Not only is she viewed as completely pro development and unaccessable to constituents, she is also waffling on some very important issues, particularly occuring in the Dearborn Park neighborhood. Longtime supporters of hers are upset and ready to bolt. The money tie with Rezko may be the final straw for these upper middle class, educated voters. The south loop will be the key in this race, with many of the candidates so far emerging from the near west side part of the ward.

As for what charities Haithcock and others should give the money to, they all should give it to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation or the American Diabetes Foundation.

Comment by Mike Williams Saturday, Oct 14, 06 @ 2:51 pm
There is an organization called PORA in Springfield that does excellent work and that never seems to have enough funds to carry out their mission.

They help prostitutes find a new way of life off the streets, assist with rehab, health care, you name it.

Under the circumstances, I can’t think of a better place for this money to go.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Saturday, Oct 14, 06 @ 5:00 pm