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Home Front: Politix
Rezko prosecutors held back on using Obama's name
2008-06-29
Barack Obama's name could have been invoked more at the corruption trial of his former fund-raiser Tony Rezko. But it appears prosecutors opted against bringing Obama into the mix during the two-month trial.

Newly unsealed documents show that prosecutors sought to call witnesses to testify about Rezko's ties to Obama, the presumptive Democratic nominee for president. The Illinois senator was the recipient of "straw" campaign contributions made by others on behalf of Rezko -- money that Obama has since given to charities.

The documents indicate that prosecutors considered offering witnesses to explore why Rezko used others to contribute to Obama and also to Blagojevich, and U.S. District Judge Amy J. St. Eve ruled that they could. But they did not end up offering any such testimony during the trial. "Witnesses will testify that Rezko was a long-standing supporter and fund-raiser of Barack Obama," prosecutors wrote.

Later, St. Eve ruled that Obama references would be allowed into the trial, but prosecutors apparently opted not to invoke Obama's name.
I think they're saving that one for later. Obama might not be their primary target: Blagojevich (Illinois Governor, and a swarmy jerk of one) is the next in the crosshairs. What will be interesting is how Blago decides to play it, since he could offer a very sweet deal or two to the prosecutors.
Posted by:Steve White

#9  Because, SPoD, Chicago is "The City That Works"

(snort)
Posted by: Bobby   2008-06-29 17:20  

#8  John Kass at the Chicago Trib is on it - he's good
Posted by: Frank G   2008-06-29 17:09  

#7  Why is the total corruption of the Illinois Democrat party/ Daley machine off limits in the press?
Posted by: Sock Puppet of Doom   2008-06-29 16:58  

#6  It was probably smart tactics. If they mentioned Obama too much, and the meme got started (helped along by defense counsel, no doubt) that these were eeeevil RethugliKKKans persecuting Rezko to get to Obama, it might have backfired on them.
Posted by: Mike   2008-06-29 09:50  

#5  Obama is going to fire them regardless

But, if they're good boys, he's going to stop at firing.
Posted by: g(r)omgoru   2008-06-29 07:22  

#4  Big Foot, when the Clintonistas took the reigns of power, one of the first things they did was fire all the prosecutors and installed their patronage clients. George was stupid enough to allow carry overs who've stabbed him repeatedly in the back out of DoJ. Obama is going to fire them regardless.
Posted by: Procopius2k   2008-06-29 05:21  

#3  C'mon folks, it was simple self preservation. If Obama was mentioned in the trial and wins the Presidency those Prosecutors would be exploring the exciting world of real estate closings. Chicago politicians are very, very into retribution and the Obamessiah is no differrent. But he is dirty, bet on it.
Posted by: Crerens Big Foot7266   2008-06-29 02:29  

#2  Probably righ that Blago is the target. Obama probably has a team of clearners behind him to make sure he doesnt get tarred by this.
Posted by: OldSpook   2008-06-29 02:04  

#1  Two years after the donation, it was two days after the witness turned states evidence against Rezko that BO sent the $5k to charity. Coincidence and a tax write off to boot....
Posted by: Muggsy Gling   2008-06-29 01:21  

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