Ex-Ill Gov. Ryan ordered to begin serving sentence in January; cloud around current governor darkens

This first item comes from AP:

A federal judge dashed George Ryan's hopes of avoiding prison while his corruption case is on appeal and ordered the former governor Friday to start serving his sentence in January as scheduled.

U.S. District Judge Rebecca R. Pallmeyer rejected Ryan's claim that misconduct by members of the jury at the close of the six-month trial made it likely that a higher court would throw out the verdict and therefore the 72-year-old former governor should stay out of prison in the meantime.

The next comes from CBS 2 Chicago:

Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s top fund-raiser was a no-show in federal court for an arraignment Friday, but he is not yet considered a fugitive.

Antoin “Tony” Rezko, 51, of Wilmette, is named in a 24-count federal indictment accusing him of taking part in an elaborate scheme to shake down companies doing business of the state.

Rezko’s attorney, Joseph J. Duffy, told U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel in court that the defendant is traveling and plans to return to face the charges next week.

The close adviser to Gov. Blagojevich failed to appear for arraignment on charges and loan fraud. But Duffy said that the real estate and fast food entrepreneur who scattered campaign contributions across the political landscape and became an adviser to Blagojevich was still concluding business overseas. He said the business trip was scheduled before the court hearing.

Finally, the last one comes the Beachwood Reporter:

Will Blagojevich be implicated? Three sources in a position to know have confirmed to me that at least one figure cooperating with authorities has told investigators that the governor personally offered political favors in exchange for campaign contributions. That doesn't make it true, but it likely makes the governor a target.

Now, I'm pretty sure Rezko will show up for next week's arraignment. But if he doesn't, that will be the torpedo that sinks Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

When will the national media start paying attention to the Illinois governor's race?

Technorati tags: Rezko 2006 George Ryan RINO Blagojevich Elections illinois politics Politics corruption Illinois Breaking News news