From the State Journal Register
April 4, 2004
Tony Rezko a frequent big contributor to governor
It has become clear that ANTOIN "TONY" REZKO plays a big role in the
political life of Gov. ROD BLAGOJEVICH.
That was emphasized in campaign finance reports filed in the days leading up
to the recent primary election. (While Blagojevich isn't on the ballot this
year, his campaign fund is still active.)
Among the items noted: During a January fund-raising trip to California,
Rezko, who listed a Wilmette address, provided $44,982 to the Blagojevich
campaign. This included $14,000 for lodging and meals for political
supporters, contributors and campaign staff members at the Beverly Wilshire
Hotel in Beverly Hills; $28,000 to a Chicago-area charter flight company for
the same people; and smaller amounts to Universal Pictures for entertainment
and to a Los Angeles company for transportation.
KELLY GLYNN, finance director of Friends of Blagojevich, said the governor
and his family were among those on the trip, which included two fund-raising
events and a meeting.
More:
http://www.ilcampaign.org/press/news/illinois/articles/2004/2004-4-4TonyRezkoContr.htmlObama on Rezko deal: It was a mistake
November 5, 2006
BY DAVE MCKINNEY AND CHRIS FUSCO Staff Reporters Contributing: Mark Brown
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama expressed regret late Friday for his 2005 land purchase from now-indicted political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko in a deal that enlarged the senator's yard.
"I consider this a mistake on my part and I regret it," Obama told the Chicago Sun-Times in an exclusive and revealing question-and-answer exchange about the transaction.
In June 2005, Obama and Rezko purchased adjoining parcels in Kenwood. The state's junior senator paid $1.65 million for a Georgian revival mansion, while Rezko paid $625,000 for the adjacent, undeveloped lot. Both closed on their properties on the same day.
<snip>
he transaction occurred at a time when it was widely known Tony Rezko was under investigation by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald and as other Illinois politicians befriended by Rezko distanced themselves from him.
<snip>
Last month, Rezko was indicted for his role in an alleged pay-to-play scheme designed to fatten Gov. Blagojevich's political fund. Rezko also was accused of bilking a creditor.
More:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/124171,CST-NWS-obama05.articleBroken promises, broken homes
DAY TWO OF TWO
April 24, 2007
BY TIM NOVAK Staff Reporter/tnovak@suntimes.com
Two decades ago, Antoin "Tony'' Rezko was running a food company that peddled hot dogs on Chicago's beaches. Daniel S. Mahru supplied the ice.
These businessmen had a brainstorm for a new venture -- rehabbing rundown buildings for poor black families.
Rezko and Mahru had no construction experience. Yet City Hall gave their new company, Rezmar Corp., a $629,000 loan to help fix up an abandoned apartment building at 46th and Drexel.
They had applied for the loan just six days after Richard M. Daley won his first term as mayor in 1989, having campaigned on a promise to build more housing for the poor.
More:
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/355099,cst-nws-rez24a.articleResults:
43 records found in 0.0938 seconds.
Total for this search: $67,315
Search Criteria:
Donor name: Rezko, ANTOIN
Donor State: IL
Cycle(s) selected: All
http://www.opensecrets.org/indivs/search.asp?key=WAWRZ&txtName=Rezko,%20ANTOIN&txtState=IL&txtAll=Y&Order=N