WASHINGTON–The Chicago Sun-Times federal courts reporter Natasha Korecki is reporting that a Chicago federal jury found political fixer Tony Rezko guilty on 16 charges against him — including mail and wire fraud — and not guilty of eight charges. Rezko — the high-flying developer and fast-food magnate — was once a major campaign fund-raiser for Gov. Blagojevich and Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama. LINK
Lynn Sweet quick analysis on political impact on Obama: Republicans were going to use Rezko against Obama whether or not Rezko was guilty or innocent. See RNC statement below slamming Obama on Rezko. No way is Rezko positive for Obama; but the conviction itself does not change the politics much. Remember, Obama had nothing to do with any charge brought against Rezko.
Obama statement
“I’m saddened by today’s verdict. This isn’t the Tony Rezko I knew, but now he has been convicted by a jury on multiple charges that once again shine a spotlight on the need for reform. I encourage the General Assembly to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent these kinds of abuses in the future. Senator Barack Obama
WASHINGTON, June 4 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Republican National Committee
(RNC) Chairman Robert M. “Mike” Duncan released the following statement tonight:
“On the day Barack Obama hoped to unite his party after wheezing over the finish
line and claiming the Democrat nomination, a jury in his hometown of Chicago
convicted his longtime friend and fundraiser Tony Rezko of multiple felonies.
This is further proof that Obama’s high-flying rhetoric is just that and in no
way represents the kind of change our nation demands. Today’s verdict and
Obama’s friendship with Rezko raise serious questions about whether he has the
judgment to serve as president.”
Paid for by the Republican National Committee.
