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Political Fixer Rezko Arrested
January 28, 2008 10:45 AM
Illinois political fixer Antoin "Tony" Rezko was arrested by federal agents early this morning outside of his Wilmette home.
"Tony Rezko was arrested without incident at his home in Wilmette," FBI spokesman Tom Simon said. "It was pursuant to a warrant issued following a government motion to revoke his bond."
Rezko was taken into custody for an alleged bond violation, and the Chicago Tribune, who first reported the arrest, cites a source who said investigators had become concerned about "the movement of some of his finances."
Rezko, who is scheduled to go on trial on federal corruption charges next month, has numerous ties to Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama who, as a lawyer, worked on several Rezko real estate deals and later received large campaign contributions from Rezko and his associates.
In addition, Rezko played a role in Obama's purchase of a new home in 2005, at a time when Rezko was already reported to be under federal investigation. An ABC News analysis last week found Rezko and his associates had donated a little more than $185,000 to the Obama Senate and presidential campaigns. A spokesperson for Obama said $85,000 of that had been given to charity. Over the weekend, Obama said any additional funds found to be linked to Rezko would also be contributed to charity.
This post has been updated.
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January 28, 2008 | Permalink | User Comments (42)
Come on ABC, why don't you complete your statements. This is sounding like Bill Clinton wrote it. After your statement of "Rezko played a role in Obama's purchase of a new home in 2005, at a time when Rezko was already reported to be under federal investigation." Why not add the fact that the matter was investigated by authorities at the time and and no wrongdoing was found.
Posted by: gc | Jan 28, 2008 11:00:33 AM
Ahh Hilliary and Barack's money man goes to jail. And the Clinton convict alumni roster just got a little deeper.
Posted by: wake up! | Jan 28, 2008 11:19:26 AM
Rezno's "get out of jail free" card is Obama!
Posted by: me | Jan 28, 2008 11:50:47 AM
Well The Clintons can hide the fact they knew Rezko as well.We seen the Picture of Rezko and the Clintons standing together like old friends!
Posted by: Listen Up | Jan 28, 2008 12:00:27 PM
I have not been able to log onto abc news since I made the observation that Obama was an empty black suit. Curious. I believe th Obama's corruption in this article is the tip of the iceberg. I watched this author on CPAN, Shelby Steele a black author who wrote "The Bound Man," a book about Obama which conformed my observations. Obama will never win a national election and his candidacy is exactly what the GOP power brokers want as they will rip him to shreads. Obama is more interested in making history than leading this country. It is quite sad and I hope the American people wake up and vote for hillary Clinton.
Posted by: Sandra Lea | Jan 28, 2008 12:18:42 PM
Yes, here we go again. As soon as Obama tells the truth about Rezko the, the sooner he can drop out of the race.
Posted by: Gordo420247365 | Jan 28, 2008 12:24:21 PM
Still waiting for the rest of the media to pick up on the ABCNews story about all the money Rezko raised for Obama that the Obama campaign claims are ok. It also is interesting that the press will not look into the Rezko connection to Obama more and how it does not jive with what he said at the debate.
Posted by: Eric | Jan 28, 2008 12:25:24 PM
Well the person the Clintons said they dont know was arrested? is that whats there saying!
Posted by: Listen Up | Jan 28, 2008 12:57:05 PM
I guess Obama will blame the Clintons
Posted by: fddfv fffd | Jan 28, 2008 1:07:19 PM
ABC, thank you for being the only major media organization to give the public the actual facts rather than just the pro-Obama, anti-Hillary spin of CNN, FOX, and NBC. I had always been an NBC person (old history of trustworthy reporters, but that no longer applies) but have definitely switched to ABC. If it's during a time that only cable networks are on, I guess I'm out of luck. At least I can watch FOX for the laughs, knowing no intelligent person takes them seriously! But when I tune in CNN and MSNBC, I just become angry because of the blatant bias and the fact that some people actually believe them. I know they're making ratings plays, but maybe they'll learn when it backfires on them. I wish ABC had a cable network I could watch.Re Obama, I continue to think he's a crook. But he's obviously a very good one, as he has so many people fooled. I would like to think people will see the light before it's too late, but doubt it, especially given the biased media that prevent them from knowing the truth. If he gets the nomination, I expect more of the truth will come out and he will be destroyed by it. People forget that the Republicans had Congress and unleashed Ken Starr, etc., on the Clintons. If Obama somehow gets elected and is later revealed as a crook (with the help of the same corrupt media that are now pushing for him), Republicans could well take back the Congress in 2010 and get him impeached, indicted, etc. (And I doubt his successor would pardon him.) By the way, ABC, maybe we could see some investigation/reporting on the possible insider trading issues?
Posted by: so saddened | Jan 28, 2008 1:14:47 PM
Does Hillary still bring him up after she and Bill were exposed having taken several pictures with the guy whom she supposedly doesn't know???
What a liar????
Posted by: jason smith | Jan 28, 2008 1:25:23 PM
This guy is a political fixer...and bill and hillary have known him a long time....she needs to stop lying...her latest is "they haven't known him 17 yrs"....but maybe 16 1/2???? while she was on the board of walmart while promoting health care...when millions of Americans went uninsured.....nice, hill/billies....
Posted by: js | Jan 28, 2008 1:29:38 PM
Hillary is a liar...
she got defensive with matt laeur....insinuating it was alright to lie a little...since she was under attack....
But of course, matt, you didn't show what preceded what I said, which was a direct attack, one of several that was leveled against me by senator obama.
The difference being, Obama doesn't lie!!!!! you don't defend anything, you just lash out with lies...or pull some "dirt" out even from kindergarten!!!!!!to deflect people from knowing the truth....that is a major problem and the reason I won't vote for you!!!!
Posted by: js | Jan 28, 2008 1:32:40 PM
Matt Lauer goes on to show how rezko was a major contributor to the DNC and Bill's campaign in 2000, and then asks isn't it hypocritical to try to smear another candidate now???
Answer: yes it is hillary
Your version of change is in name only.
Posted by: js | Jan 28, 2008 1:34:41 PM
didn't i see a picture of hillery and this guy all posing nice nice like? Hmm, maybe she is crooked as i thought.
Posted by: nate | Jan 28, 2008 1:43:13 PM
Yep I knew Obama was a liar. Hes all about change , sure he is. He changes his mind, heck he just changed his mind about the illegals getting driversliences. he now wants to give them to them, and he gave Hillary so much grief about it. Want a loser. I don't want a person who lies to us and then says he didn't understand the question. I will vote republican if Obama gets the nomination.
Posted by: danw -austin | Jan 28, 2008 1:58:22 PM
This story is ridiculous, Obama has DONE NOTHING to warrant any question that his hands are completely clean, and he said he regrets buying land from this guy. I hate that the media twists something that is nothing into a big deal.
Posted by: Rachel | Jan 28, 2008 2:01:53 PM
My, my. Anyone surprised. Mr. Obama has not yet learned that it's never a good idea to get down and wrestle with pigs in the mud. You all get dirty, but the pigs like it.
The coming weeks and months have many more surprises about Mr. Obama to come.
It wouldn't be so annoying to find these things out about him, if he gave a normal speech and not something akin to sounding like a Sunday morning preacher.
Posted by: Mary Miles | Jan 28, 2008 2:15:29 PM
Friends, wake up. These are the friends of the Clintons. Are we suffering from Amnesia?
Posted by: Mark Odu | Jan 28, 2008 2:17:57 PM
I have switched to ABC THE ONLY BALANCED NETWORK. You are the only network to talk candidly and fearlessly about Rezko and Obama's dubious connection with him. Kudos to ABC :)
Posted by: Rekha | Jan 28, 2008 2:20:37 PM
If we really want campaign reform, then the candidates shouldn't be allowed to spend more than a set amount (somewhere around 1 million dollars). This would reduce the reliability they have on large donors and remove possible kickbacks with favors and influence.
Posted by: Kate | Jan 28, 2008 2:24:10 PM
Isn't that big of Obama, get caught with his hand in the cookie jar and offer to give the cookies away. What a great guy and crook. Yeah, he'd make a great President, NOT!!! What the heck is wrong with people, its like everyone is from the Jerry Springer show and they support the thieves and liars instead of the "good guys". John Edwards is the only Democrat running without a sordid past. Where is his media chance, guess its not as good a rating scoop as the symbolic Jerry Springer crowd.
Posted by: Brenda Montgomery | Jan 28, 2008 2:26:35 PM
The extent of Senator Obama's ties with Tony Rezko, due to exposure by the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times, despite being suppressed by the Obama supporting media at large, are now beginning to surface. Obviously, Obama feigned ignorance regarding the extent of the political donations extended by Mr. Rezko, questionable purchasing of a home "priced" well under market, all apparently taking place while the rascal slum lord was under investigation. For the most part, the media's response has been to plant, for the sole purpose of discrediting Senator Clinton, what appears to be a phony and doctored photograph of Mr. Rezko posing with Mr. and Mrs. Clinton. Patiently, I remain tuned.
Posted by: mongo100 | Jan 28, 2008 2:41:12 PM
80 K to charity, and who takes that big on the record tax break??
Posted by: Frank | Jan 28, 2008 2:59:36 PM
I actually looked at the FEC database online. This man made contributions to a lot of politicians including Barbara Boxer and John Kerry. Where is the outrage against them? At least Obama donted the money given him by Rezko to charity. What did Kerry and Boxer do with their ill-gotten gains? If the Clintons are going to go after Obama, they better check who Rezko gave money to in 1992 and 1996. A photo with Bill and Hillary during the first Clinton reign didn't come cheap.
Posted by: Chgosaint | Jan 28, 2008 3:08:52 PM
The Clintons cant deny knowing Rezko now, we all seen the picture of Rezko standing with the Clintons, it looked like they was old friends!
Posted by: Listen Up | Jan 28, 2008 3:14:51 PM
Why is this not a top news item ? The bias of the media in favor of Obama is disgusting. If Rezko had a 20 year relationship with Sen Hillary Clinton, this story would be splashed all over in the news media
Posted by: kay | Jan 28, 2008 3:15:44 PM
type o; Cant hide^
Posted by: Listen Up | Jan 28, 2008 3:16:17 PM
GORDO what about Hillary telling the truth about her fund raiser that was charged? She too needs to drop out or is this a fair to Hillary only campain?
If one does or two do' they all in turn need to drop out. can't have it both ways? oh unless you are a lieing Clinton!!
Posted by: Jim Rod | Jan 28, 2008 3:22:32 PM
Kennedy's poor timing, or is it Obama perfect timing?
When Obama's political patron Rezko is arrested for lying having his bail revoked and put in jail, Obama is herding around the Kennedy's! At least Obama can claim "I had no idea again"!
Does this not sound familiar? “The reality is this defendant has played a shell game,” and has “misled the court” about his financial situation, Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid J. Schar said. Sounds like someone who is running for the Presidency doesn't it!
What will come out after a week of Rezko sitting in jail and he begins to sing?
Will the Prophet be exposed as a self-PROFIT?
Posted by: me | Jan 28, 2008 3:37:55 PM
This is just the tip of the iceberg, I have a feeling that Obama's involvement with Rezko is much more deeper and murkier than what the Media is telling us.
Posted by: Kay | Jan 28, 2008 3:39:03 PM
Let's not blow this out of proportion. The Chicago Tribune has investigated and criticized Obama's Rezko ties extensively over the last year. And after all of that, they still they endorsed him today. Let's not make our candidates look better by dragging the others down.
If Obama was about seeking profit, he would taken the $500k a year jobs offered him after college, but he chose public service.
There's been a lot which has happened in Washington recent decades to bring about the cynicism which is so common in these message threads, but has anyone genuinely stood back and wondered if this time, Obama could be the real deal?
Posted by: Gus | Jan 28, 2008 4:55:07 PM
Look at this!! It never fails that EVERYTHING is blamed on the Clinton's.....no matter that they had nothing to do with Obama's scandle.....come on, Obama has got to explain this TRUTHFULLY and undergo the scrutiny that the Clintons are subjected to ad nauseum. Face it, Obama is not "squeaky clean"----so sad, and you-all can't take that fact, you have to always blame somebody else, and the handiest ones to blame are the Clintons. I will sit back and amusingly watch all of those dismayed and dis-enchanted Obama-supporters start to switch their support somewhere else. Yes, Obama is human, like the Clintons...... By the way, we Hillary supporters say, "ya'll come on over and support Hillary, we won't rub it in........."
Posted by: Get America Back On Track | Jan 28, 2008 9:37:30 PM
Interesting stuff. I also criticized Obama week or more ago and have not been able to sign on ABC since, and I did not use any bad words or such. If the Dems on here want another Rep President, then keep backing Obama. I sat at dinner tonight with several people and one called me a liar when I told her that Obama's full legal name is Barrack Hussein Obama. She called me a liar until some other people at the table agreed with me. Remember these buzwords because the Respublicans will remember each and every one of them if Barrack Husseim Obama gets the nomination: Hussein, Rezcko, Farrankhan, Muslim, Odinaga, Slum Landlord, Racist, Kenndedy, Chapiquidick, Sharia, Madrassa, Pledge of Allegiance, Koran, Bible, Kenya, and many many more. There is NO chance Obama can be elected and he really does not care, because either way he gets to stay a "rock star" during the process and we could end up with another Republican President.
Posted by: Colonel Ray | Jan 29, 2008 1:37:17 AM
Hopefully, Senator Obama can shake himself lose from the drunkard appearing Senator Kennedy and come clean on the Tony Rezko affair and acknowledge the fact that his long-standing relationship with the indicted slum lord reaped questionable personal treasures beyond what we already know. Thus far, Mr. Obama has grudgingly admitted to some wrongdoing as the facts surface, but, for the most part, memory lapses have clouded his thinking process.
Posted by: mongo100 | Jan 29, 2008 2:27:57 PM
do you all realized that it was the government who revoked rezko bail?stop fighting about obama and hillary,the republican government is trying to remove their threat by doing a witch hunt on the two democratic front runners,yes both of them was involved with and know rezko.what i want to know is,if there will be some form of investigation as to the timing of this revocation of rezko's bail?
Posted by: tyron | Jan 29, 2008 8:10:45 PM
News flash!! Obama is not a muslim, he says the pledge of allegiance and has led the pledge in the senate, he did not go to school in a madrassa, he went to a few different schools, one of which was Harvard. He has nothing to do with sharia law, I love the nonsense you republicans spread...why do you guys hate your own country so much, why do you hate your own people so much?
Posted by: Bryan | Jan 30, 2008 9:39:31 AM
I guess Obama is on the take too??? So what else is NEW???
Posted by: Joe MUrphy | Jan 31, 2008 10:46:57 PM
Obama can't come clean ....the connections go much deeper than anyone wants to believe or know...check out Rezko's connections..and you know the old saying...my friends are your friends....
oh by the way, just being in a picture with politicians does not mean they know you....our family has many pictures with "Kennedys" from local events...we all look like the best of friends but if you asked Patrick or Ted if he knew any one of us...they would be honestly answering no...because it was only a photo op and nothing more ...not defend ing the Clintons but cautioning not to jusp to conclusions......MS
Posted by: MS | Feb 7, 2008 4:11:39 PM
I am just glad to see news organizations...any news organizations actually report news. This is actual news with no slant. We must make our own conclusions about who is the most honest between Hillary and Obama and reporting the news gives us that chance. There is a connection as Obama has admitted. Why is anyone considered un-American to report that? If this were a Republican there would be 3 news medias that would DEMAND that candidate step down their career be over. You should all be thankful that the Fear Factor is on its way out for reporting news and maybe we will get truth instead of propaganda from our NEWS media. Talk about hope in our adult lifetime.
Posted by: Linda O'Neall | Feb 20, 2008 5:16:58 PM
Yes, CNN, FOX and NBC are anti-Hillary. Holy Molly they very biased and for Obama all the way. Maybe the Republicans are paying them to make sure Obama wins the nomination and they will tear Obama down and a republican president will again hit the road. Wake up you people. Can't you see the trick the republicans are doing? No way Obama wins if he competes with Mr. White man McCain. No way. Please support Hillary Clinton. The Republicans are afraid if Hillary wins the nomination their man McCain will be nowhere to be found.
Posted by: Dingo | Mar 1, 2008 5:42:03 AM
I think it is interesting that Rizzo has many dealings and associations with Lebanon and Iraq. His business with countries which are hostile to the U.S. and his fund raising tactics for Obama make me wonder...perhaps the money (685,000.) for vacant lot next to his home was donated from some "unnamed" associates of Rizzo's over in the middle east- but no, why would a Muslim country want to support such a good Christian candidate as Obama? Think about it.
Posted by: Alfie | Mar 15, 2008 5:09:13 PM
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