First lady of Illinois linked to developer
By John Chase, Tribune staff reporter. Tribune staff reporter Ray Long contributed to this report
Published May 20, 2005
A controversial fundraiser and adviser to Gov. Rod Blagojevich has had a business relationship with First Lady Patti Blagojevich for eight years, the governor's office acknowledged Thursday.
Antoin "Tony" Rezko, a Chicago developer who has been influential in shaping Blagojevich's administration and policies, has "worked on various projects" with Patti Blagojevich since 1997, said Cheryle Jackson, the governor's spokeswoman.
The disclosure marks the first time that the governor's administration has acknowledged the governor's family has a personal financial link with a key adviser who helped shape the administration and is now tied to a variety of controversies involving allegations of cronyism.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-0505200172may20,1,3166143.story?coll=chi-newslocal-hedThey continuing scandals of Rod Blagojevich could turn true blue Illinois into a hive of red activity. Scandals linked to a republican governor of this state brought the Illinois GOP to its knees, they could destroy the Illinois Dems.