Gov.Blagojevic endorses Obama and ties him to Rezko corruption...

[Didereaux]

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/01/blagojevich-tri.html
(with video)

Blagojevich tries to deflect Rezko heat to Obama, others

Posted by Monique Garcia and John Chase at 8:40 p.m.

With Antoin “Tony” Rezko’s federal corruption trial looming, Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday tried to deflect the heat he’s been getting over his former adviser and top fundraiser by pointing out he’s not the only politician who has received help from Rezko.

Blagojevich ticked off a list of elected officials who also have ties to the indicted developer. While not naming them, he made reference to everyone from Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to House Speaker Michael Madigan, his political nemesis, and Madigan’s daughter, Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan.

When asked if he regretted his relationship with Rezko, the governor said he was not alone in facing “some of the occupational hazards that go along with being in politics.”

“We presume and hope that people who are helping us are doing things honestly and forthrightly, and then sometimes there are allegations to suggest that maybe not,” he said Tuesday following a news conference in downtown Chicago.

“And then you deal with all the incoming that comes along with it, whether you’re a governor of a state like Illinois, or a presidential candidate, or an attorney general, or a lieutenant governor, or a speaker of the House or even Republicans who’ve also been the beneficiaries of some of Mr. Rezko’s help.”

Rezko has had ties to each of those politicians in some fashion over the years, from a once-close relationship with Obama, a first-term U.S. senator, to co-hosting a $3.8 million Chicago fundraiser in 2003 for President Bush. Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn also received contributions from Rezko’s former development company.

Blagojevich twice made reference to Obama, whose ties to Rezko have become highlighted in the national coverage of his bid for the presidency. On Monday, Blagojevich was the lone statewide elected official left out of a news conference showcasing Obama’s widespread backing among Illinois Democrats.

Blagovich is listed as a superdelegate in the Obama column(some friend and supporter, eh?)

[Thrill]

1. Keep trying...........Still nothing there

[Renew Deal]

3. It's amusing

That counts for something, right?

[papau]

6. The swiftboat ad will require a bit more by way of answer - or do we have another Kerry

[Occam Bandage]

8. Do you seriously worry that a shady donor will be the subject of a swiftboat ad?

If so, I would run from Hillary screaming.

[rodeodance]

2. Reminds me of how Chicago Trib endorsed Obama and also asked him to come clean

regarding the Rezko issue.

[Infinite Hope]

4. When you find the evidence of Obama-corruption in this deal, maybe you can help Bush find the WMD's.

[madrchsod]

5. Blagojevich is on his way out

nobody likes him in illinois...Lisa Madigan will be the next governor. fitzgerald already stated the obama has done nothing wrong

[Occam Bandage]

7. I've said this entire time--this scandal is Blago's baby. He's going down over it.

Let us know when you find any evidence that Obama's involved.