From the Chicago "free registration required" Tribune:
Obama acknowledged "it was stupid" of him to get involved in the purchase almost one year ago of a strip of property adjoining his $1.65 million home from Antoin "Tony" Rezko, who owned a vacant lot next door. Rezko, a political insider and fundraiser, was indicted in October on charges of trying to extort campaign donations and kickbacks from firms seeking state business. Rezko has pleaded not guilty.
"I am the first one to acknowledge that it was a boneheaded move for me to purchase this 10-foot strip from Rezko, given that he was already under a cloud of concern," Obama said. "I will also acknowledge that from his perspective, he no doubt believed that by buying the piece of property next to me that he would, if not be doing me a favor, it would help strengthen our relationship."
On the same day that Obama and his wife closed on their home, Rezko's wife, Rita, closed on the $625,000 vacant lot next door. Both lots had been part of the same estate, but the owner listed them as separate parcels.
Obama said he has known Rezko for 20 years and "he had never asked me for anything. I've never done any favors for him."
However, the Rezko involvement made the future Obama home more affordable to senator's family.
This is not the last time we'll hear about this story.
Technorati tags: Obama National politics Politics Barack Obama Illinois News Tony Rezko Democrats real estate
No comments:
Post a Comment