Capitol Fax.com - Your Illinois News Radar

CHRIS KELLY INDICTED * NEW CHARGES FOR REZKO * HURTGEN RE-INDICTED * BLAGOJEVICH RESPONDS * KELLY FACES 38 YEARS IN PRISON ***

Posted in:

Illinois

From the US Attorney…

CHRISTOPHER KELLY INDICTED ON FEDERAL TAX FRAUD CHARGES;

ALLEGEDLY CONCEALED MORE THAN $1 MILLION IN INCOME AND

USE OF BUSINESS FUNDS TO PAY PERSONAL GAMBLING DEBTS

*** DOWNLOAD THE FULL KELLY INDICTMENT HERE ***

*** HURTGEN RE-INDICTMENT IS HERE ***

*** REZKO SUPERSEDING CHARGES ARE HERE ***

* More…

A suburban businessman was indicted today on federal tax fraud charges for allegedly understating his true personal and business income by more than $1.3 million over five years, in part by concealing the use of corporate funds for personal expenses including gambling debts to sports bookmakers. The defendant, Christopher G. Kelly, president and owner of a roofing business and a separate consulting firm, allegedly cheated the government on his personal and business taxes between 2000 and 2005, according to a 12-count indictment returned today by a federal grand jury, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois; Alvin Patton, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division in Chicago; and Robert D. Grant, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Kelly, 49, of Burr Ridge, was charged with one count of obstructing and impeding the IRS, five counts of filing false individual federal income tax returns, five counts of filing false corporate tax returns and one count of illegally structuring monetary transactions. He will be arraigned at a later date in U.S. District Court.

According to the indictment, Kelly was the president and owner of BCI Commercial Roofing, Inc., and CGK Consulting, Inc., both of which shared offices at 3062 West 167th St., Markham. Kelly maintained financial control over the two companies and determined how each company spent money and categorized its spending for purposes of calculating its business expenses as well as Kelly’s personal income.

As part of a corrupt endeavor to obstruct and impede the IRS, Kelly allegedly used business funds to pay for certain personal expenses, concealed the true nature of the payments through improper recording of the payments on the companies’ financial books and created false documents describing the payments; structured cash withdrawals under $10,000 from banks by disguising them as legitimate business expenses; and used third parties to pay portions of his illegal gambling debts.

More specifically, Kelly allegedly:

o caused BCI Roofing to pay gambling debts for certain of his losing wagers placed with Individual A, who, with the assistance of Individual B, ran a bookmaking operation in Illinois that accepted wagers on such sporting events as professional and college football, professional and college basketball, baseball and horse racing, and with whom Kelly placed millions of dollars of wagers. On at least one occasion, Kelly allegedly hid the use of corporate funds to pay a gambling debt to Individual A by ordering that the payment be falsely recorded in BCI Roofing’s financial books as a loan from the company to Individual A;

o placed millions of dollars of wagers with casinos in Las Vegas and caused BCI Roofing to pay for certain of his losing wagers there. On at least one occasion, Kelly allegedly hid the use of corporate funds to pay a gambling debt to a casino by ordering the preparation of false internal BCI Roofing documentation to make it appear that the payment was a legitimate business expense incurred by the company as part of a roofing contract for an airline;

o caused BCI Roofing to partially pay for his home in Burr Ridge and caused BCI Roofing and CGK Consulting to pay for various home items and services, including electronic equipment, hardwood floors, drapery, and lawn maintenance; and

o hid the use of corporate funds on multiple occasions to pay for various items and services for his home by ordering the preparation of false internal BCI Roofing documentation to make it appear that his payments for home items and services were legitimate business expenses incurred by the company as part of various roofing contracts for such clients as airlines and an electric company.

Both the IRS obstruction count and five counts of filing false individual federal tax returns for calendar years 2001 through 2005 allege that Kelly reported an aggregate of more than $5.2 million in total income for those five years but understated his true income by more than a $1 million for the same period.

As a result of concealing his income and directing the fraudulent classification of certain personal expenses as business expenses, the IRS obstruction count also alleges that Kelly caused false corporate income tax returns to be filed on behalf of BCI Roofing and CGK Consulting from 2000 to 2005, understating the companies’ true income by more than $300,000. The five counts of filing false corporate tax returns on behalf of BCI Roofing for each fiscal year from 2000-01 through 2004-05 allege Kelly overstated the company’s cost of goods sold and understated both its taxable income and total tax by falsely deducting certain personal expenses as business expenses.

The IRS obstruction and structuring counts allege in September 2004, Kelly solicited Individual C’s help in cashing three checks, each slightly under $10,000, and returning the cash to Kelly. In one instance, Kelly allegedly gave Individual C a BCI Roofing check for $9,500 payable to Individual C’s four-year-old child, and the following day, Kelly allegedly gave Individual C BCI Roofing and CGK Consulting checks payable to Individual C and Individual C’s spouse and obtained the cash back from Individual C for all three checks.

About the same time, Kelly also allegedly concealed his receipt of additional cash by depositing and cashing six BCI Roofing checks payable to himself, his children, his wife and cash. In each of these transactions, Kelly allegedly structured the cash receipts in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid generating Currency Transaction Reports.

The indictment seeks forfeiture of $86,600, which is the total amount of the allegedly structured funds.

The IRS obstruction count also alleges that in early 2005 Kelly attempted to conceal the source and nature of a partial payment on a large gambling debt he owed to Individual A. To assist Kelly in paying the debt, Individual D arranged for a wire transfer of approximately $79,140 from a bank account in Saudi Arabia to a bank account in Florida, according to the indictment. After learning that the wire transfer was not credited to the Florida bank account, Kelly allegedly arranged for the wire transfer of approximately $45,000 from a pizza company in Chicago to Individual A’s bank account. On at least one other occasion, Kelly allegedly attempted to pay a portion of the gambling debt to Individual A by tendering multiple checks, each made out for thousands of dollars and with the payee line left blank, from a second pizza company.

* Hurtgen…

A former executive in the Chicago office of Bear Stearns & Co., an investment firm that arranges financing for public works projects in Illinois, was indicted today on federal charges for allegedly assisting a fraud scheme in which a former member of the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board and a construction firm owner engaged in insider-dealing, influence-peddling and extortion involving their private interests and public duties, federal officials announced today. The defendant, P. Nicholas Hurtgen, a lawyer and investment banker, allegedly participated in a fraud scheme to help lawyer, businessman and previous co-defendant Stuart Levine, formerly an influential member of the state board that controls medical facility construction projects, obtain millions of dollars for Levine and certain of his associates, including another previous co-defendant, Jacob Kiferbaum, an architect and construction firm owner, who schemed with Levine to obtain multi-million dollar contracts and to distribute construction kickbacks, announced Patrick J. Fitzgerald, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois.

* From Hurtgen’s reindictment…

HURTGEN told the CEO that Levine and Kiferbaum were friends and that Levine had a close relationship with a high-ranking Illinois elected official, Public Official A, who also liked Kiferbaum. HURTGEN told the CEO that she did not want to know why Levine and Public Official A wanted Kiferbaum to get the Edward Hospital construction projects, but advised her that the support for Kiferbaum by Public Official A and those surrounding Public Official A was “all about money” for political campaigns. HURTGEN also told the CEO that he had recommended to Levine that Kiferbaum “latch on to” the CEO’s team because Edward Hospital was a growth hospital.

* More on Hurtgen from the Tribune…

Hurtgen was reindicted on charges he took part in a fraud scheme to force kickbacks from hospital expansion projects. He was originally charged with political insider Stuart Levine, real estate consultant John Glennon and construction firm owner Jacob Kiferbaum. But a judge in March dropped Hurtgen from that case, finding that the original indictment did not specifically outline that Hurtgen knew that kickbacks were involved.

*** Statement from Gov. Rod Blagojevich ***

“Chris Kelly is my friend. I am saddened to hear these allegations about Chris’s personal life. I know the pain it must be causing him and his family. My thoughts and my prayers are with them during this difficult time. In fairness to Chris, I believe it is important to let the legal process play out and not rush to judgment.”

*** Kelly is looking at 38 years behind bars ***

Kelly, 49, of Burr Ridge, was charged with one count of obstructing and impeding the IRS, five counts of filing false individual federal income tax returns, five counts of filing false corporate tax returns and one count of illegally structuring monetary transactions. He will be arraigned at a later date in U.S. District Court. […]

If convicted, each count in the indictment carries the following maximum penalties: obstructing and impeding the IRS and filing a false tax return – three years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and illegal structuring of monetary transactions – five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

*** 5:02 pm *** A good point from the Sun-Times…

The governor’s campaign has received $212,000 in contributions from Kelly’s roofing and consulting companies, and it remains unclear if the governor will return the money.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:36 pm

Comments

I wonder who Individual A is…could be an ongoing organized crime investigation?

Comment by Ravenswood Right Winger Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:41 pm
Oh well I guess the game is to turn Mr Kelly on any “associates” he may have who were involved in different naughty activity.

Comment by irishpirate Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:41 pm
KIND OF PUTS BLAGOJEVICH’S EFFORTS TO EXPAND GAMBLING IN A WHOLE NEW LIGHT, DOESN’T IT?

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:46 pm
Daily Southtown: Are you confident that Chris Kelly is not going to be indicted?

Blagojevich: Yeah. Yes. [Rezko and Kelly] are 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.

Comment by Reality Check Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:46 pm
Now the Feds have some leverage

Comment by Bud Men Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:46 pm
ummm…for those of us out of the loop…who are these guys (Kelly and Hurtgen)?

Comment by jerry 101 Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:49 pm
Dick Mell, Prophet and/or Statesman ?

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:51 pm
Hey Blagojevich,

Is today “basically an up day” or what?!?

Comment by DeepFriedOnAStick Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:52 pm
I realize you are innocent until proven guilty but there is no way this guy should have been the point man for gambling in Illinois.

Mr. Quinn, please report to Springfield immediatly.

Comment by Garp Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:53 pm
This is Blagos right hand man. One of Blagos main fundraisers. I dont think Blago will make it to 2009 without an indictment

Comment by fed up Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 1:57 pm
This is starting to unfold the same way it did as they inched their way up to George Ryan. Any of these guys have a culpable fiance to protect?

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:01 pm
Are any tv stations running this live?

Comment by Anon Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:02 pm
Paragraph 12 of the indictment: Individual C, Individual C’s wife, and Individual C’s CHILD.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:02 pm
While Fitz’s office moves slowly, they are good and even Blago’s spin team cannot deny that they put the fear of God into people. Maybe one day Blago will realize he should never said he would usher in a new era of governing…

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:06 pm
Why expand gambling in Illinois? Chris Kelly’s busted.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:08 pm
Wait. So this is not connected to the Blagojevich campaign at all?

Comment by Jimmy Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:09 pm
Anon, the ages don’t match up. Don’t go further with this.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:09 pm
===So this is not connected to the Blagojevich campaign at all?===

Kelly was the governor’s chief campaign fundraiser. He was also the guv’s point person on gaming. So, yeah, there is a connection.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:15 pm
Jimmy, perhaps it isn’t, but don’t think for a minute that the Feds will put major pressure on him to start talking about powerful friends in order to get a better deal for himself.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:17 pm
“will NOT put major pressure”, that is. It is probable that he was investigated due to his political connections, and that what’s in the indictment is what they were able to dig up without his cooperation.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:19 pm
It was hard enough to believe when Blago put Kelly in charge of gaming in Illinois, to the point where he sat in on staff meetings at the gaming board and tried to dictate policy. Here was a guy with no regulatory, law enforcement or forensic accounting experience, not to mention no formal state position, unanswerable to the taxpayers, unduly influencing a multi-billion dollar industry.

That was an egregious enough abuse of the executive and thoroughtly irresponsible.

Now we find out that he is, at minimum a problem gambler himself, and alleged to be heavily involved in illegal gambling, wagering millions with bookies who he must have known were “connected” one way or another.

Does no one in this administration have any sense of responsibilty?

Comment by Adam Smith Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:20 pm
Kelly, and the Feds know it, is so intertwined with corruption that he could talk for months and still have eye openers. This is a large house of cards about to fall and many people are calling lawyers up right about now.

Comment by Garp Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:23 pm
Quinn in 2008.

Comment by irishpirate Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:27 pm
Chris Kelly,Emil Jones, Tony Rezco and Rod Blagojevich are good men and I believe they are simply misunderstood.

Give them the benefit of the doubt.

Comment by Golly Ggee Wilakers Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:31 pm
Teflon eventually goes away from all surfaces it is applied to.

Comment by Little Egypt Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:33 pm
As a Republican I would have no problem with Pat Quinn as Governor. He seems to be the only Moderate DEM in the State these days and is a big supporter of the Troops and Military. I wish the Left would support good people like this instead of haters like Jan Shackowsky.

Comment by Apu Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:37 pm
Is this all heading for a nice big RICO case? If so, that could take a lot of people down.

Comment by Dirty Man Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:37 pm
Abby Ottenhoff, don’t let us down. Please tell us Rod knew nothing.

Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:41 pm
Lets be serious here…The feds have been investigating Kelly for 3 years now. So obviously the feds found no wrong doings in Kelly’s political fundraising. Since the feds found nothing there they looked into Kelly’s personal financial issues. That is where the indictment stems from.

So lets not tie Gov. Blagojevich into the mix. This indictment is solely regarding Kelly’s personal finances. It’s got to be a disappointment for the feds that after 3 years they could only indict Kelly on not paying taxes.

Comment by Central Illinois Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:49 pm
Is today a perfect day to be Abby or Rebecca Rausch or what?
I can’t wait to see and hear the response statements, the spin will be so epic as to affect the Earth’s orbit itself.

Comment by I'll be home for Fitzmas Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:51 pm
Is it appropriate to start a campaign calling for Gov. Rod Blagojevich to resign based on 1. poor performance, 2. not playing well with others, and 3. being close enough to federal investigations that his attention to state matters may be compromised?

Comment by Carl Nyberg Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:52 pm
=== So obviously the feds found no wrong doings in Kelly’s political fundraising===

Nice try. Not buying it.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:53 pm
Everyone should send a THANK YOU card to Mr. PETER Fitzgerald for the gift of Mr. PATRICK Fitzgerald. By appointing Pat F., and remaining relatively independent of the BUSHIE crowd’s demands, Pete F. pretty much sacrificed his political career to stay independent and fair.
THANK YOU PETE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:56 pm
Central Illinois said, “It’s got to be a disappointment for the feds that after 3 years they could only indict Kelly on not paying taxes.”

There are many people disappointed today but the feds are not one of them.

Comment by Garp Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 2:58 pm
Polly, from one cheesy 60’s cartoon character to another, RIGHT ON!

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:00 pm
Rich, If the feds would have found an indictable connection between Kelly and Rod then they would have indicted Kelly on that charge. I’m sure Fitz would rather have that trophy sitting on his mantle than an indictment based on not paying his taxes. Fitz loves publicity as much as anybody. Like I said this has got to be a disappointment for Fitz.

Comment by Central Illinois Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:00 pm
If Tax Evasion charges were good enough to take down Capone, they’re good enough for Kelly.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:01 pm
If there is anything to be learned from the way the Feds seem to role out these cases, it is that what we are shown is the tip of the iceberg. If this follows the Ryan pattern the fat lady ain’t close to singing yet. It will go to the top.

Comment by Leigh Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:01 pm
Central Illinois:

If you think this has absolutely nothing to do with Rod Blagojevich, I’ve got a tollway restaurant lease I’d like to sell you.

This is ALL about Rod Blagojevich. Based on Fitz’s past, The Feds are going after Kelly on these charges for now because they believe it gives them the strongest leverage to move up the ladder.

Let’s not forget that Al Capone was indicted and convicted on tax evasion, not organized crime.

Let’s not forget that Rod Blagojevich handpicked Chris Kelly to be his pointman on gambling, and recently admitted that he knew that Kelly was a heavy gambler.

Kelly is going to sing like a canary, whether you want to admit it or not.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:04 pm
Jesus. First Al Sharpton and now a Blago higher up. next thing you’re going to tell me is that Roger Clemons uses steroids.

.
..
…

Crap. Thanks for ruining Christmas, Fitz.

Comment by dan l Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:05 pm
Snidely: Thanks! And I am surprised you know who I am in ‘Tooneville! Cheesey eh ………?

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:06 pm
Talk about a nightmare for Kelly - Bad enough to have the mob’s bookmakers collecting from you, or else. Now the Feds also want their pound of flesh. One almost feels sorry for a guy that smart to be dumb enough to end up in such a nasty corner. Whew!

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:14 pm
I think it’s pretty clear that the guv will say the same thing over and over on this one….Kelly made bad choices in his PERSONAL life, I’m sorry for his family, like all Americans, he will have his day in court and this has nothing to do with me as guv except to demonstrate how kindly and
removed I am as I go about working for the people of Illinois.

And large numbers of oh-so-gullible Illinois voters will believe him, especially two years from now if he is even challenged in the primary (that is, for Illinois, the real election).

With Blago, it’s all about image, not reality, and
reality can be manipulated….easily, in the case of the Illinois electorate, the ones who are so practiced at ignoring wrongdoing in high places.

Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:21 pm
Central Illinois:
Nice try, but this is nothing like the Ken Starr and the GOP going after Clinton on one thing because they couldn’t get him on another. This whole investigation began when Blagojevich’s own father-in-law Dick Mell (not the Republicans) publicly accused Kelly of shaking down contributors for appointments.

You can tell yourself these issues aren’t connected, but you’d be a liar.

- beavis
“huh huh, I said Dick”

Comment by beavis Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:21 pm
veryone should send a THANK YOU card to Mr. PETER Fitzgerald for the gift of Mr. PATRICK Fitzgerald

And will anyone ask Dick Durbin why Clinton never got a nomination for a similarly upright prosecutor from Sen. Durbin?

Comment by Pat collins Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:21 pm
This is classic methodlogy for the feds. Keep working up and indicting those around the ulitmate taret of the investigation. Plea bargains anyone? It has worked before. It will work again. I’m guessing Quinn in 2009. Feds take a long time to work.

Comment by Niles Township Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:25 pm
Cassandra you are not grounded in reality…the regime is crumbling, ne’er to return…wake up and small the coffee…

Comment by anon56 Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:32 pm
rich, does it mean anything that PF is still using the term Public Official A and not making Blago an “un-indicted co-conspirator”? And what if Blago is named in any other upcoming indictments (that he not the subject of)?

Comment by to rich Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:32 pm
Am I mistaken or is time running out on Patrick Fitzgerald? Won’t a new President be under a lot of pressure to replace him early next year… especially if that Prez is a Dem? Don’t most Federal Prosecutors get shown the door by a new Prez? This might be Blago’s best hope… run out the clock. It will be interesting to watch what happens with any new appointment to replace Mr. Fitzgerald.

Comment by Thinking Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:32 pm
The regime may be crumbling, but how many Illinoisians have noticed (with respect to these indictments anyway). More importantly, how many will even remember come primary time (if they even vote in the primary).

Ask the people on your block or in your neighborhood six months from now about the Kelly indictment. You’ll get a blank stare.

Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:36 pm
Hmmm, wonder how old George is adjusting to prison life. Any news on what his job is?

Comment by Anon Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:38 pm
===how many Illinoisians have noticed===

Approval rating is 27 percent. They’ve noticed.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:39 pm
Niles is right. Fitz and his team are going to keep chipping away. It’s not implausible to think some of the governor’s former and current top advisors will eventually be called in to testify or possibly even indicted themselves.

Comment by Team Sleep Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:48 pm
Cassandra -

First, I don’t think the Gov’s efforts to spin this as an issue of Chris Kelly’s PERSONAL life is going to fly. Remember, the Governor handpicked Kelly based on his experience as a GAMBLER, to head the Governor’s GAMBLING negotiations, which have resulted in a proposal backed by the Governor to EXPAND GAMBLING. And the indictments against Kelly are directly related to Kelly’s GAMBLING.

While much has been made of GAMBLER Chris Kelly’s fundraising efforts on the Governor’s behalf, let’s not forget that Kelly’s company, BCI, contributed $125,000 to Blagojevich’s 2002 campaign.

Let’s also not forget that no matter how HotRod tries to spin this publicly, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has a good record of ignoring spin and pursuing public corruption wherever it leads.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:54 pm
Thinking,

A new USA under a new D pres would be Durbin’s call. You’d have wonder if he recommended replacing Fitz, wouldn’t you? And if Fitz is replaced, you can be pretty sure it his replacement will be a ball of earwax.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:54 pm
I agree with Rich. Blago has a 27% approval rating in a very liberal state, how can Illinoans not notice that?

Comment by Apu Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:55 pm
I’m tempted to say I told you so, but I won’t. Perhaps Mr. Kelly is just a way of spreading Chicago around Illinois.

Doug Dobmeyer

Comment by Doug Dobmeyer Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:55 pm
Rich, now that Rezko is back in the news, how will it affect his good friend Barak Obama?

Comment by Apu Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:56 pm
Who will lotion my back at Nuevo Vallarta this year?
Chris did such a graeat job last Jan.
Well fire up the bus and adios me amigo Chris
And who will go to the Rose Bowl with me and Wymamontana?
Geez

Comment by DumberThanYouThink Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 3:59 pm
From the Tribune:

Kelly is a former adviser to the administration on gambling issues. He was once asked to intervene as the administration’s representative in negotiations between the Illinois Gaming Board and the Emerald riverboat casino. Blagojevich said he selected Kelly in part for the assignment because Kelly is an avid gambler and high-roller and he often travels to Las Vegas on weekends.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/loc
al/chi-071213kel
ly,0,1771632.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

Comment by Bud Man Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:02 pm
Beavis: AMEN AMEN AMEN ! Who knew Dick Mell was preccognizant.

Comment by Sweet Polly Purebred Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:06 pm
The speculation on Individual A, Individual B, Individual C, C’s wife, C’s child is arguably as intriguing as the indictment itself. I’ve said this before, but I think it’s still worth saying: this event, coupled with Rod’s other bone-headed moves, have effectively limited him to a lame-duck Governor for the next 3 years. His only hope to substantive policy is ignoring the legislature altogether (and JCAR) and issuing edicts on his own pet priorities. While not formally named in the indictment, it’s clear that this cloud of suspicion is getting lower and has breached the inner sanctum of his inner circle. As much as I would like to celebrate the negative impact on what’s left of his Governorship, I’m truly saddened at what’s happened to the integrity of the Office of the Governor.

Comment by DC Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:07 pm
You know, for everyone who is so keen on using casinos as the financial savior of this state, here is a good example of what gambling addiction can do to even a smart, well-connection and well off person like Kelly. The fact that the state will take someone’s life savings rather than the bookies & mobsters isn’t very comforting, especially when one considers that the Feds and local authorities have been pretty effective in constraining illegal gambling activities; it’s not on every street corner like it was 30 years ago. I think you’ll be seeing a large new crop of gambling addicts if everyone has easy access to a casino. Not directly on target to what’s here, but I’d say that on the surface, it appears that his addiction is the root cause of this man’s problems.

Comment by Snidely Whiplash Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:07 pm
Hopefully that deveil Madigan will pass the gaming bill now.
Hey. SpinSisters, see of he is selling the Burr Ridge house and see if he needs a realtor.

Comment by DumberThanYouThink Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:09 pm
I must admit also that the day Jeff Fawell was indicted for rackateering, many Republicans, myself included, never thought it would lead to the downfall of George Ryan. He was too powerful. We all know what happened next.

Comment by Scott the Moderate. Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:11 pm
What a day for the Governor. Instead of dealing with the CTA Fiasco, his people leak the Wrigley Field story hoping to look like a normal guy Cub Fan. Then he takes a beanball with the indictment of his main man in the 2002 Campaign. Does not help that he knew Chris Kelly was his point man on Casinos, even though the gentleman was in deep with loansharks.

Comment by Scott the Moderate. Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:15 pm
Who could the Feds charge next that would be closer to the Governor than Kelly? Excluding Mrs. B and the kids, of course.

Comment by Downstater Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:16 pm
Dumber, I think Madigan is hoping to keep Blago where he is. Lisa Madigan would have no chance unseating a Incumbent Governor Pat Quinn in the Primary of 2010.

Comment by Apu Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:18 pm
……and there was much rejoicing! Tick, tick , tick. I think the gov needs to cut the blue wire. They’re all blue! (Another cartoon reference, but a newer one.)

Comment by What can I say? Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:22 pm
APU
I doubt that Madigan will be interested in this mess
More importantly if we had just passed Poor Chris’s first gambling swindal in May ‘04 he would not lost all that money a few months later
so even though I doublecrossed Poor Chris it must be Madigan’s fault that the gambling scam did not pass.

Now will you come to Mexico and oil us up?

Comment by DumberThanYouThink Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:25 pm
Rich, is it just AA or does “Scott the Moderate” appear to be a man in search of a clue?

“Jeff Fawell?”

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:27 pm
I don’t like seeing my suspicions coming true about Blagojevich because I also recognize the enormity of the fraud we are uncovering.

I also recognize how fragile Illinois is and just how far we have fallen over the past five years.

We just don’t need this.

Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:27 pm
hey capfax chicago folks — So, there is a giant high-rise fire that’s taking all the local news coverage.

I’ve been trying to catch up on the kelly indictment story, and all they will talk about is fire, fire, fire.

the Blago folks must be SO glad the heat is off them!
Kelly must be really glad his mug is not all over the screen…

Comment by anon Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:30 pm
DC - Blago is not a lame duck…he’s more of a one-man gridlock because of what all is NOT getting done and him using executive orders. I WISH he was a lame duck, but he’s still abusing his power with ease.

Comment by Crimefighter Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:32 pm
Look, anon, he’s not up for reelection any time soon, so short-term press coverage is really neither here nor there.

What’s important is what this means in the long run and what it means in Springfield. Period.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:32 pm
Arthur Andersen, a thousand pardons. I meant Scott Fawell. Do have anything to say? Or are you a fact checker?

Comment by Scott the Moderate Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:42 pm
Mr. Fitzgerald…..

PLEASE, oh PLEASE, oh PLEASE tell us who “Public Official A” is. I’ve asked every card reader, psychic, and plam reader I can find and no one can figure it out.

Kind of makes good old George Ryan look like a saint. Well, perhaps I’m going over the top now.

Comment by Trafficmatt Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:43 pm
Most of the talk here has been on how this affects Blago (faster, Fitzgerald, kill, kill). But what about for the mass transit negotiations in Springfield?

I can’t imagine this is going to play well into any mass transit / capital bill / expand gambling compromise plan. This is suddenly not a great time to be voting for expanding gambling in Illinois, no?

Comment by ZC Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:43 pm
Note to Rod, Hannah Montana tickets go on sale Saturday.

Comment by The 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:50 pm
Right ZC, I agree. Will voters on the South Side standing in below zero tempatures for a bus that never comes, still support Blagoevich?

Comment by Scott the Moderate Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:51 pm
It’s a great time to vote on expanded gambling as long as the independent oversight component remains non-negotiable. In fact, I would even consider changing the language to remove any ability of the Governor to name the members of the oversight group (perhaps the language does that already by involving the Supreme Court, but I can’t immediately recall).

Comment by DC Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:52 pm
The indictment seems to indicate that Individual A and Individual B; who ran their illegal bookmaking operation in Illinois, have provided their cooperation and testimony with respect to Mr. Kelly. There is no reference to an indictment of Individual A & B here, but if they were handling this much action just from Mr. Kelly, then A & B were no small timers to the game. Not only that, but the game appears to be over for them at this juncture. “I am sorry but the number you have dialed - - - - - - - - has been dis-connected, no further information about - - - - - - -, is available”

Another unknown at this point seems to point to the corporate outside independent auditor:

“On at least one occasion, Kelly allegedly hid the use of corporate funds to pay a gambling debt to Individual A by ordering that the payment be falsely recorded in BCI Roofing’s financial books as a loan from the company to Individual A;”

“placed millions of dollars of wagers with casinos in Las Vegas and caused BCI Roofing to pay for certain of his losing wagers there. On at least one occasion, Kelly allegedly hid the use of corporate funds to pay a gambling debt to a casino by ordering the preparation of false internal BCI Roofing documentation to make it appear that the payment was a legitimate business expense incurred by the company as part of a roofing contract for an airline;”

“hid the use of corporate funds on multiple occasions to pay for various items and services for his home by ordering the preparation of false internal BCI Roofing documentation to make it appear that his payments for home items and services were legitimate business expenses incurred by the company as part of various roofing contracts for such clients as airlines and an electric company.”

Is there a signed note for this “loan to Individual A” on the books? If so, what is the interest rate, and what are the re-payment terms? Have any payments been recorded to date? If not, have any collections been undertaken?

I am not sure who the outside auditor is, but one would have to assume that they received an invitation to the grand jury party as well. Depending what they had to say while there, would certainly seem to expose them to some potential loss, should others that relied on their work come a calling.

Now, on to the banker. Any commercial lender would have to rely on audited financial statements in evaluating any line of credit or the extension of any commercial loan to a contractor like this. If the audited financial statements can not be relied upon due to this kind of hocus pocus, one would have to think that bank may have some questions with regard to this as well. Are there any personal guaranties? Kind of hard to repay those kind of debts with the meager wages earned in federal prison. I am not sure those renewal or extension discussions are going to be going too well.

Don’t these kinds of construction companies also have to provide bonds for the work they are doing? I would think they might have to look to the audited financial statements as well to determine suitability. Again, if the financial statements are not to be relied upon, it would seemt that there has been a certain breach of trust.

Someone might want to check the independent auditors passport

Talk about CRAPS!

Comment by SNAKE EYES Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 4:52 pm
Thump.

That’s the sound of people hitting their head on the ceiling, jumping to conclusions.

It’s not the sound of the other shoe dropping — YET. I’m thinking August 2008.

I’m not a fan of GRod, but I can see how he can try to explain most of this away as their “personal” business. But I can see how the Kelly / Rezko indictments tie WAYYYY too much to their government influence — especially the gaming part.

The fat lady hasn’t sung yet, but I did see her putting on her costume backstage.

Comment by 312 Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 5:02 pm
Oh, and the Hurtgen side isn’t getting any coverage from the media. That’s one that could unravel any “smoking gun” toward a certain Public Official.

Comment by 312 Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 5:03 pm
Where’s Bill? I miss his “this has nothing to do with my demigod rod. The woo and suffering of my friends is not related to any state contracts that they have received.”

Comment by Huh? Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 5:16 pm
312-thursday…where does the Hurtgen path lead? Not sure what Hurtgen has to offer….

Comment by anon Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 5:19 pm
anon, read it.

Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 5:21 pm
Friends of Blagojevich should return the money from Kelly, but here’s the Catch-22:

“In fairness to Chris, I believe it is important to let the legal process play out and not rush to judgment.”

Returning the money would be an admission that Kelly did something wrong.

More importantly to the Gov’s legal team, its never a good idea to throw a guy under the bus, or appear publicly to be throwing a guy under the bus, when the Feds are talking to him and he’s got the goods on you.

Blagojevich’s only hope is that Kelly’s loyalty trumps his fear of jail time.

Personally, I wouldn’t pin my hopes on loyalty. Close scrutiny shows that BCI’s political contributions also include donations to George Ryan and Lee Daniels. Yeah, we know the criminal history there. These contributions were a matter of public record before Blagojevich invited Kelly into his inner circle. That gives you some idea of the lack of judgment over at Team Rod.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 5:23 pm
I think SENATOR Madigan may have a very good chance at knocking off incumbent GOVERNOR Quinn in 2010, but that’s a long way off.

Remember, if Barack wins, Rod appoints someone to fill his seat…talk about a convenient way to get rid of an opponent….

Comment by the commuter once known as So Ill Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 5:34 pm
KELLY AND REZKO BLAGOS NEW GAMING BOARD???

Comment by dis-connected Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 5:44 pm
Went online looking for other contributions by Chris Kelly. Could not find any financial connections to Obama. Kelly appears to have been a strong financial backer for Gery Chico’s Senate bid.

Comment by ZC Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 5:54 pm
Huh?,
Im here watching the vultures salivating and circling the almost dead body with unmitigated glee.
Mr. Kelly’s undoing is really whetting the appetite of the Blago haters, isn’t it? Unfortunately for them, Governor Blagojevich is an honest man and has done nothing wrong. He hasn’t been mentioned in the indictment and has not been asked to testify before any grand jury. He doesn’t gamble and I doubt that even he realized the extent of Kelly’s problems.He feels sorry for his good friend and the Kelly familyas do I, and I’m sure he will support them in their time of need.
I wish Mr. Kelly had sought help for his gambling affliction before it was too late.
I wonder if the Governor will rethink his reluctant support for gambling now that its effects have struck so close to home.

Comment by Bill Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 6:21 pm
Can there really be this many incoherent posters to this blog? The G has Kelly, and they ain’t letting go. Once Rezko starts to sing, then the shenanigans that Kelly played in the play to pay will come out, and the indictment will be amended. Chris Kelly was arrogant, and strong armed folks into contributing for G Rod. During the first run for Gov, he told people that unless they guarenteed a certain amount, Rod would not bother to stop by the event. Corrupt, is Kelly and Rod knew all along.

Comment by ivoted4judy Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 6:32 pm
Bill-we agree on one thing. I feel sorry for Chris’ wife and children. I hope that all the new best friends that were around Chris the past few years will be there now.

I wouldn’t bet on it, pardon the bad pun.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 6:33 pm
Bill:
Poor Chris did seek counsel for his addiction last Xmas in Nuevo Vallarta. We lotioned each other and gambled not a single peso. When together, his addiction was uncontrolled.
However when I was forced to return to battle that devil Madigan, Poor Chris was entangled by the demon bookies and slots and poker and craps and ….
I could not skip the runs with Wymamontana. Taking the phone calls in the real estate office took a lot of time too.
Poor Chris was sunk.
Geez. Should we order a smaller plane for the Rose Bowl?

Comment by DumberThanYouThink Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 6:34 pm
Anyone want to be the first to sell Bill the Michigan Ave. bridge? I mean if you’re really as gullible as you seem, I can give you a pretty good price!

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 6:37 pm
Honest men don’t surround themselves with crooks. The Gov’s downfall will be his shady associates and the incompetent people he has hired into positions of authority. They are only loyal until they get the screws put to them. Arrogance and poor judgement are a bad combination.

Comment by Holdingontomywallet Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 6:40 pm
Round and round the concentric circle goes until the Feds are dead center with their original target. Worked for George, working on Milarod.

Comment by Disgusted Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 6:42 pm
From the semi-annual Friends of Blagojevich BOE report: (1/1/07 - 6/31/07)

Funds available at the beginning of the reporting period $676,981.26
Total Receipts $374,352.03
Subtotal $1,051,333.29
Total Expenditures $767,551.25
Funds available at the close of the reporting period $283,782.04

I know Blago started fundraising again, but giving that money back would put a serious dent in the fund.

Side note - the report also shows that the campaign paid $163,770.57 to Winston and Straum in late January for legal fees. Maybe Kelly should ask for the money back so he can pay his own legal fees rather than those of the Governor.

Comment by Bud Man Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 6:52 pm
No need to return the money. Winston and Strawn is the
“Firm of Record” for the provision of pro bono legal defense services for the governor’s office and the officials and non officials comprising that entity. Thompson has a vested interest in keeping on the inside of these matters. The circle is much larger than most perceive.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 7:04 pm
Cynic, if Bill buys that bridge, you can figure that Mesirow will do the bonds. No Blago guy would pay cash.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 7:14 pm
/Mr. Kelly’s undoing is really whetting the appetite of the Blago haters, isn’t it?/

Bill,

I assume based on the 27% approval rating that by “blag haters” you mean “everyone who isn’t you”.

Comment by dan l Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 7:20 pm
Pat Collins -

First, the original Clinton US Attorneys were named by Paul Simon. Second, he named Jim Burns - never heard any mud about him - have you? Third, his tenure coincided with the uproar around the Helen Brach mystery - you may have heard of it. Fourth, Burns and his predecessors bagged more than a few corrupt politicians with Operation Silver Shovel - since they were local Chicago people and no one got killed a la George Ryan, that doesn’t count? Fifth, and finally, Operation Safe Road started under Bill Clinton’s US Attorneys, and they bagged several corrupt SOS employees. Don’t like Durbin? Fine, but get your facts straight first … .

Comment by Smitty Irving Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 7:34 pm
Correction - Burns’ successors, not predecessors … .

Comment by Smitty Irving Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 7:38 pm
Thanks for stopping by the board Mrs. Burns.

Comment by Thinking Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 7:40 pm
As we’ve seen with the Rezko indictments, superceding indictments could come down for Kelly stemming from any new information that might be gleaned from further investigation or testimony. We know there could be both futher investigation and more testimony of and from a number of folks.

My guess though is that we are seeing the real beginning of the real end of this. I am making that prediction based on that it appears that Kelly is as close to what Fawell was to Ryan. If I am not mistaken, Fawell was the last person indicted prior to Ryan. In fact, if Fawell had not of rolled on Ryan, George may very well not be in prison today. If he had rolled sooner, Ryan may have been indicted sooner and hence gone to prison even earlier. I say all of that to reinforce my opinion that the end may be here sooner than we think.

The Feds, while not born yesterday by any means, were sort of breaking the code, pattern, whatever you want to call it during the Ryan investigation. This is kind of the second go around for them on pretty much the same thing. They are better and will most likely be a little quicker this time. That is one reason why this saga may not take as long as Ryan’s did. Not to mention that Rod has already been in office 5 years and apparently this stuff has been going on since day one. Another, maybe the most important reason, is the Fawell factor. He was willing and did go to prison for George. He held out for quite a while, and only caved when his fiance’ became part of the equation. Not that he wanted to go to prison, but he didn’t have a wife, kids, etc. to think about in the beginning. Kelly, among others, does. In addition, I believe Fawell really believed in loyalty and ran his organizations based on that. He gave and received loyalty to the extreme. Not just Chris Kelly, but I don’t get the feeling that any of the current governor’s folks receive or give that kind of loyalty. If I were a betting man, I would bet that none, or almost none of the Governor’s people are wiling to go to prison to spare/save him. It might only take one person to fall on the sword. I don’t know Kelly, would he be the sacraficial body?

Anyway, I could be wrong. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but I wouldn’t bet on it. I think we’ll find out sooner (within the next year) rather than later (2009 or later).

Comment by I wanna be like Mike Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 7:48 pm
Word in the Billy Goat and Boones is that the Feds are getting ready to Indict Illinois State Government as a Corrupt Organization.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 7:58 pm
Smitty, you’re absolutely right on Burns and on Scott Lassar. Frankly, Lassar was a pretty solid US Attorney, but for one big mistake - exonerating George months before the election. Otherwise, he played it straight down the middle.

It’s just few can measure up to the hyper-aggressive approach of Pat Fitzgerald, whom I doubt the new Dem president will replace.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 8:46 pm
I think it’s absolutely nothing out of the ordinary for a fundraiser to insist on a minimum level of $ success before a gubernatorial candidate will come. There’s absolutely nothing corrupt about that, just as candidates for governor don’t normally attend events that won’t have a certain minimum level of attendance. It’s called time management.

Comment by steve schnorf Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 8:51 pm
This is a outstanding day for ALL the people of Illinois!
Sometimes Bill sounds like Rod Blagojevich himself tooting his own horn.
Wonder if Winston & Strawn and Rod are discussing how to deflect this wonderful news this very eve.

Comment by Rod, Rod, Rod Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 8:56 pm
Investigate the Illinois Tollway!

Comment by Fours Words! Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 8:59 pm
Shame on you Mr. Blagojevich!
Do ya think Chris will spill his guts?
If not, he’ll be 87 years old when he gets outta prison. He’ll head straight for a casino with his walker or in his wheel chair.
Like you haven’t known anything all along.

Comment by Flounder Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:08 pm
Just got into O’Hare airport, and I’ve heard the great news. Can’t say I told you so. I’m certain there’s more to come in 2008.
Merry Christmas Illinois!

Comment by Wacker Drive Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:17 pm
It can also become a slippery slope.

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:19 pm
Walking down memory lane…

From the Cap Fax Blog, Oct. 24, 2006:

The governor appeared at the Daily Herald editorial board yesterday.

Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich predicted Monday his campaign fundraising friend won’t be indicted for corruption, argued it’s not a bad thing that his plan to sell the lottery leaves a $1 billion school funding shortfall, and apologized for once comparing state lawmakers to “drunken sailors.” […]

The indictment alleged Rezko worked on the scheme with an “Individual B,” whom multiple sources have identified to the Daily Herald and other media outlets as Christopher Kelly, a roofing contractor and another top fundraiser for the governor.

Asked if he’ll stand by Kelly in the event of an indictment, Blagojevich said he wouldn’t answer, because “I don’t believe that will ever happen.”

In the same post:

The Rezko report . . .

October 24, 2006
BY MICHAEL SNEED Sun-Times Columnist
Cheep. Cheep.
Is a little birdie preparing to sing?
Sneed hears rumbles that Antoin “Tony” Rezko, the indicted political fund-raiser who was this/close to Gov. Blagojevich, returned to the offices of federal investigators following his recent court appearance. Word is, a deal is being hatched with the feds by Rezko, who was charged in two fraud schemes — one tied directly to state government.

Oops.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:28 pm
They now have Rezko and Kelly and Levine, and soon a couple more all in a vise and can play them off each other regarding making deals for leniency in exchange for each ratting out the other and the higher-ups.

These indicted guys are not exactly The Outfit, so I expect only a token resistance or delay to implicating all the rest, all the way up the chain. Like with George Ryan’s investigation, you grab a little insignificant zipper and keep pulling on it, allllll the way downnnn until the whole thing spills out like a torn bag of potatoes. Likely not before Christmas, but maybe something big by Easter.

All in all, it was a pretty good day.

Comment by Hang your Hat at Mister Kelly's Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:31 pm
Dang slippery slopes!

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:32 pm
Hang your Hat - Do you think one of the couple of others soon to be in a vise may have a connection/tie with Bear Stearns & Co.?

Comment by I wanna be like Mike Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:37 pm
Former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell is expected to release his report on performance-enhancing substances in major league baseball.

It’s ‘pay-to-play . . . on steroids’: Governor Blagojevich in spotlight as feds indict top fund-raiser in shakedown scheme. The 24-count indictment against Antoin “Tony” Rezko — a top fund- raiser for Blagojevich and a former business associate of the governor’s wife — outlines a “pay-to-play scheme on steroids,” U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said.

Comment by Stange Days Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:37 pm
The Bear Stearns Companies, Inc. - Geez! This whole thing could be global.

Comment by Opie Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:41 pm
Return the money. Give me a break, it’s already been spent.

Comment by You Betcha Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:44 pm
Who do you mean? KJ. JB, and/or BC?

Comment by A Citizen Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 9:46 pm
Steve is right and it is true for all candidates at all levels. I hear Barack won’t show up these days for less than 250,000. And to think I knew him when he’d stop by for 20 bucks and a bus pass! (ok, kidding about the bus pass)…

Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 10:00 pm
how bad is this for Obama with his Rezko ties?

Comment by anon56 Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 10:04 pm
Apu is right, -after all the recent sleaze in the Gov’s office, it’s Quinn’s job for as long as he wants it…maybe let’s NOT export IL politics to DC
via Obama, hmmmm?

Comment by anon56 Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 10:08 pm
Who were the people and positions that kelly helped put in place? are they still around?

Comment by anon again Thursday, Dec 13, 07 @ 11:15 pm
So good it’s worth repeating:

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

Blagojevich: Yeah. Yes. [Rezko and Kelly] are 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.

Comment by Middleofroad Friday, Dec 14, 07 @ 12:06 am
Let us review all of Mr. Kelly’s contracts with the City of Chicago, all of them, and that one with the Chicago Water Department, or the Department of Water Management. The one with all the approved overcharges. God Bless the U.S.

Comment by Patrick McDonough Friday, Dec 14, 07 @ 1:16 am
Say it, Say it, Mayor Richard Daley!!!!!

Comment by Patrick McDonough Friday, Dec 14, 07 @ 1:18 am
Schnorf:

I agree, nothing extraordinary about that.

But there is something extraordinary about a Gov’s pointman on gambling having large gambling debts. And his other point man having an interest in a hotel site next to a proposed casino.

If Rod isn’t corrupt, he’s the unluckiest man we’ve ever had as Governor.

Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Dec 14, 07 @ 3:00 am
Ohhhh here we go. Let’s all worry about the Chicago Department of Water Management “heros” and whether or not they’ve got good coffee for their breaks.

Comment by dan l Friday, Dec 14, 07 @ 6:05 am
Yesterday - Thursday, December 13, 2007 was a win win day for Mr. Blagojevich.
I guess Mr. Blagojevich stretched the truth we was quoted “No More Business As Usual” in Illinois. With his close relationships with Rezko, Kelley, Livine, etc. how could he of not known?
Either Mr. Blagojevich is a lair or really really dumb or god forbid both. It was definitely a good day for Illinois.

Comment by Oh Boy...This is gonna be good! Friday, Dec 14, 07 @ 7:57 am
I love the Chicago way! Are you guys stupid or what? All you had to do when you took over state government was be honest most of the time. Competent would have been a bonus - but you promised no more business as usual. OK on a technicallity I’ll give it to you. You guys are more inept than George at being a crook.

Comment by Leave a light on George Friday, Dec 14, 07 @ 8:20 am
Are the lights still on Castle Construction?

Comment by g-anon Friday, Dec 14, 07 @ 2:41 pm