Feds hit Rezko's ties to gov's office

TRIAL STRATEGY | Campaign director will be first witness

A day after a judge confirmed that Gov. Blagojevich is "Public Official A" in the much-anticipated Tony Rezko corruption case, federal prosecutors made clear Tuesday that at Rezko's upcoming corruption trial, they intend to delve into the indicted businessman's fund-raising for Blagojevich and his influence in the governor's administration.

According to prosecutors, as Blagojevich's campaign fund swelled, Rezko's sway over state appointments grew. Rezko's "ability to influence actions of state of Illinois officials . . . flowed from Rezko's prowess as a fund-raiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich," prosecutors said in a court filing Tuesday.

They also disclosed their first witness: Kelly Glynn, Blagojevich's former campaign finance director.

Rezko had so much say on state hiring, prosecutors maintained, that Blagojevich's onetime hiring chief, Joseph Cini, and his assistant Jennifer Thomas would meet in Rezko's office, where Rezko "provided names and information on candidates for not only state agency jobs but also vacancies on boards and commissions."

Jury selection is set to begin Monday, with opening statements as early as March 6.

Rezko -- once also a top fund-raiser for Sen. Barack Obama -- is accused of demanding illegal payments from firms seeking state pension business. Prosecutors said he did it in part "to continue to finance an opulent lifestyle." They argue that they should be able to show jurors a photo of Rezko's Wilmette mansion -- something defense lawyers oppose.

On Monday, U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve confirmed that Blagojevich is Public Official A, repeatedly referred to in prosecution filings. Sources first confirmed the identity to the Chicago Sun-Times in September 2005.