All Muck is Local: Illinois’ Governor Tradition Continues

Ah, Illinois. Only this Wednesday ex-Governor George Ryan (R-IL) became prisoner 16627-424, convicted of racketeering charges in April. Now, the feds are looking closely at Rod Blagojevich (D-IL), who ran his campaign on the promise of cleaning up what Ryan left behind. With several recent indictments of the governor’s political fundraisers, the feds have been closing the vise. The most troubling tie for Blagojevich these days is the relationship connecting him, his wife Patti, and Tony Rezko.

Rezko has been a longtime supporter of the Blagojevichs; The Chicago Tribune reported in 2005 that Rezko and Patti Blagojevich had a business relationship tracing back as early as 1997. In 2003, real estate deals with Rezko accounted for roughly one-quarter of Patti’s income (they have ceased their business deals since 2004). He also demonstrated what might generously be called a knack for getting friends appointed to state board positions.

But Rezko was indicted on extortion charges in 2006. And though the Governor has not been named by investigators, there is this revelation by the Associated Press:

But Antoin “Tony” Rezko, a Blagojevich political confidant and friend, is under indictment, accused of seeking campaign contributions from investment companies in exchange for getting them business with a state pension fund.

In one case, the indictment claims Rezko demanded a company make a $1.5 million contribution to “a certain public official.” That was Blagojevich, according to a person familiar with the investigation, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the probe is continuing.

Rezko has so far not turned state’s evidence, but with a trial coming up in February, Blagojevich might very well have reason to be nervous.

Of course, if Rezko doesn’t float your boat, there are other investigations that might sink the governor.

Blagojevich’s appointee to the Teacher’s Retirement System, Stuart Levine, has already pleaded guilty for conspiring with Rezko (fundraiser Chris Kelly is also being scrutinized as a co-conspirator). And Patti Blagojevich continues to be tied to questionable real estate dealings. She accepted a commission from architect Mark Wight, despite the fact that Wight ultimately sold his home directly to the buyer. The next day, Wight’s architecture firm landed a $2 million no-bid contract from the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.

And, of course, there’s “Uncle Amrish” Mahajan, who raised over a half million for Blagojevich’s campaign. Mahajan also hired –you guessed it- Patti Blagojevich to help with private real estate deals (he was her only client for most of 2006). And it just so happens that Mahajan’s wife was arrested in March for overbilling millions on her state contracts.

Seem like a lot to keep separate? Blagojevich must feel the same way. It’s so much that last year he was asked about accepting a $1500 check from a friend whose wife had just landed a job with the state. Blagojevich initially said the money was a birthday gift for his seven year-old daughter, but later wasn’t sure if the gift was actually for his even younger daughter’s christening.