The recent move is the first public indication that political financial records belonging to the governor are being sought. Sources describe the subpoena as the latest step in an ongoing investigation that has focused on major players in the record-breaking fundraising effort that propelled Blagojevich to consecutive terms.
Blagojevich has steadfastly refused to answer questions about the federal investigation, including specifics of why his campaign has paid the prominent law firm Winston & Strawn nearly $1 million since 2003. But constant questions about the probe have continued to follow the governor and present a political liability as he has sharply curtailed his public schedule even while pressing an ambitious legislative agenda in Springfield.
Is there a Tony Rezko angle? Of course!
In a parallel investigation, federal prosecutors last fall charged top Blagojevich fundraiser and confidant Antoin "Tony" Rezko with soliciting a $1.5 million political contribution as part of a kickback scheme at a state pension board. Sources told the Tribune the contribution was intended for Friends of Blagojevich, the governor's campaign fund.
In a plea agreement with another political insider just a week before Blagojevich's re-election last fall, federal authorities alleged that Rezko and another top Blagojevich fundraiser schemed almost from the beginning of the administration to use their new-found influence for corrupt purposes. Sources identified roofing contractor Christopher Kelly, the governor's former campaign chairman, as the other fundraiser
Winston & Strawn is the law firm that is performing pro bono defense work for convicted former Governor George Ryan, a Republican.
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Tony Rezko, con artist and slumlord
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