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Fooling everybody

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* It’s easy to look back now and wonder whether people like Stu Levine and Tony Rezko really fooled so many people about their nefarious ways, or whether the insiders knew at least some of what was going on and averted their eyes. Levine, in particular, was a serious drug user, yet he surrounded himself with powerful admirers who now claim they were completely clueless.

Take a look at this revelatory bit, buried at the bottom of a Tribune story…

Early in the trial, government lawyers entered a document into evidence that speaks volumes about the fake persona that Levine was able to craft for himself. It was a program for a 2003 annual fundraising dinner for the Chicago chapter of the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces, and the honoree at the dinner was Levine, who was hailed as a “prominent philanthropist and civic leader in the Chicago community.” The guest speaker was Tommy Thompson, then the secretary of health and human services in the Bush administration. […]

Perhaps the most surprising congratulatory note of all came from then-U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald, who long has portrayed himself as a lone Republican voice in the wilderness fighting corruption in his own party. “Mr. Levine’s many years of leadership and generosity make him a fitting recipient,” Fitzgerald wrote.

The next time some of you get on your high horses about how the Great Peter Fitzgerald would never have been conned by these types, think again.

* More Rezkomania, compiled by Kevin…

* GOP power broker in spotlight at Rezko trial

* Rezko witness is just a really creepy guy

* Rezko jury weighing star witness’ account of ‘deals made in hell’

* A family affair: Blago, in-law linked to trial

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 7, 08 @ 8:33 am

Comments

There was one of Peter’s campaigners who was convicted of something, too. And, of course, there was Roger Stanley’s mail house that pretty much all Republicans used.

But that does not little to detract from the central accomplishment of his U.S. Senate term–bringing in U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald over the objections of pretty much all the Establishment types.

Both McCain and Obama have said they will keep the U.S. Attorney. So far, Clinton has not made a similar commitment.

Comment by Cal Skinner Monday, Apr 7, 08 @ 9:05 am
There are smart, informed people in Illinois government and politics. There are cunning, informed people in Illinois government and politics. I find it hard to believe that the smartest and most cunning did not have an inkling that there was a reason other than public service why some desperately wanted to be on these boards.

We need more whistleblowers.

Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 7, 08 @ 9:16 am
Rich, do you know Fitzgerald’s connection to the event? Was it something he had been involved in or a “one-off” event that he was asked to speak at without a lot of info and a speech written for him? Thanks.

Comment by What can I say? Monday, Apr 7, 08 @ 10:20 am
What, it wasn’t a speech. Sen. Fitzgerald wrote a congratulatory letter, as did Sen. Durbin, Cong’s Emanuel & Schakowsky, Mayor Daley, and Gov. Blago.

AA seriously doubts there is anyone from the business/political world who knew about Stu’s secret life (excepting his party pals) and his criminal ways until the leaks started last year.

Comment by Arthur Andersen Monday, Apr 7, 08 @ 10:59 am
===AA seriously doubts there is anyone from the business/political world who knew about Stu’s secret life===

Except many people knew that the hospital board was a shady place.

Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 7, 08 @ 11:02 am
Levine, the tru definition of con-con.

Comment by Ghost Monday, Apr 7, 08 @ 11:17 am
Cal Skinner, please advise the source of your comment that McCain and Obama will keep Patrick Fitzgerald. Thanks

Comment by undecided Monday, Apr 7, 08 @ 11:28 am
Tommy Thompson was the guest speaker, huh, wonder who arranged for him to be there?

Comment by BIgWindy Monday, Apr 7, 08 @ 11:30 am
My apologies. I misread. Still curious as to how much accurate info he had or if he sent a cookie cutter type of letter tweeked for the occasion.

Comment by What can I say? Monday, Apr 7, 08 @ 12:22 pm