Gov.'s clout list surfaces in Rezko case
Indicted businessman Tony Rezko’s lawyers are asking a federal judge to bar from the political fund-raiser’s fraud trial extensive lists of hiring recommendations made by political figures to Gov. Blagojevich’s administration.
The recent defense filing indicates that members of Blagojevich’s administration could be called to testify about Rezko’s influence in state hiring. Rezko was a top Blagojevich adviser and fund-raiser.
(AP)
“There is no connection between the state hiring process and the ... scheme to control” two state government boards outlined in the charges, Rezko lawyer Mariah E. Moran wrote in a motion to U.S. District Judge Amy J. St. Eve.
Rezko lawyers noted that federal prosecutors have submitted as evidence 26 pages of “clout lists” that identify people who Rezko and other political figures wanted placed in the governor’s administration.
Those lists show that dozens of people, including Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama, Senate President Emil Jones (D-Chicago) and House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego), recommended people for jobs and appointments to state boards and commissions.
Rezko is accused of scheming with businessman Stuart Levine to shake down companies seeking state business, by demanding illegal payments and campaign contributions for Blagojevich. Levine has pleaded guilty and is set to testify against Rezko when Rezko’s trial begins March 3.
Included in the exhibit is a spreadsheet listing recommendations for state jobs “made by or through Rezko” to the Governor’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, or IGA office.
That spreadsheet includes nearly 40 recommendations, including one for Joseph Aramanda, for state jobs. Aramanda, a Glenview businessman is also listed as “Individual D” in other Rezko court filings, the Sun-Times has reported. He was allegedly tied to a kickback scheme involving Rezko and Levine, according to court documents.
Rezko lawyers charged that the government is trying to wave clout lists in front of the jury “to show that Rezko wielded great influence in state government.” But his lawyers contend that the trial involves Rezko’s involvement specifically with two state boards and not his role in getting state jobs for friends.
The clout list offers a glimpse of hiring considerations in the Blagojevich’s administration. The feds — in a separate investigation — have been looking at Blagojevich’s hiring practices. The governor has not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Asked about the lists that surfaced in the Rezko case during an afternoon press conference, Blagojevich replied, “I don’t know anything about it, I don’t know.”