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Retraction

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Illinois

Here it is:

January 20, 2005

Dear Mr. Kelly:

I wish to put the issues that have arisen between you and me to rest. Thus, I am writing this letter with the hope of accomplishing that goal. It was never my intention to impugn your reputation. I know that you would never compromise your integrity. When I said that you, as the Governor’s chief fundraiser, traded appointments to commissions and state boards for $50,000 donations I knew that to be inaccurate. My comments were based upon my misreading of earlier published reports and were an exaggerated extrapolation made by me in the heat of the moment. Moreover, I have, in fact, no personal knowledge, now or then, of any contributions being made in exchange for any board or commission appointments. I merely meant to say that the Governor’s high profile and public familiarity with his agenda makes fundraising efforts easier for those involved in the process. I hope this statement puts an end to any further public discussion between us on this issue.

I am sorry for any distress that my comments may have caused you or your family.

Very truly yours,

Richard F. Mell (signed)

Alderman - 33rd Ward

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 20, 05 @ 3:45 pm

Comments

Oh great, a negotiated recantation. I know I feel better now. Does anyone really believe this to be a sincere, heartfelt retraction?

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 20, 05 @ 4:18 pm
“I am sorry for any distress that my comments may have caused you or your family.”

To say nothing of what it did to Mell’s family.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 20, 05 @ 5:20 pm
I’m not buying it. The headline in tomorrows Sun-Times is going to look great.

“Chicago Alderman LIED!”

Better yet, The Red Eye or Red Streak, “LIAR…LIAR!” With a big photo of Mel.

Russ Stewart take on the mess.

Comment by Craig Thursday, Jan 20, 05 @ 7:49 pm
I assure you that the final chapter is far being written

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jan 20, 05 @ 10:19 pm
Yep, this is a long way from being over. The Madigan’s are in this now as well. Lisa wants Rod’s job.

Comment by XBIP Saturday, Jan 22, 05 @ 5:26 pm
Mell just did this so he didn’t have a big lawsuit he would have to spend a lot of money on.
Plus his wife is very sick with a neurological disorder that may be uncurable.
A lot of pols do not want Rod to cut them off too as Rod has played the patronage game with some.

Rod did forget about the people who brought him to the dance. He traded in a lower level political operative for the big money people WHO DEFINITELY BOUGHT ACCESS AND WANT JOBS AND CONTRACTS.

Jerry Joyce was with Jim Ryan and is close to Devine
THERE IS A LOT OF DIRT ON CHRIS KELLY.

If Longo really starts talking he could drop a nuclear bomb on the state and city.
Longo and Avila could get whacked or at least chased out of town.

Comment by Anonymous Saturday, Jan 22, 05 @ 6:32 pm
Where is Jerry Joyce in all of this?

How does Jerry Joyce make so much money at the airport?

Comment by Anonymous Sunday, Jan 23, 05 @ 10:54 pm