Obama donating more than $70,000 in campaign funds tied to Rezko
Barack Obama’s presidential campaign aides said tonight that the South Side Democrat is donating to charity all remaining donations to his 2004 U.S. Senate campaign that are tied to indicted political fund-raiser Tony Rezko.
Obama initially gave to charity $44,000 linked to Rezko, then announced an additional $40,000 earlier this month. Another $72,650 from family members, employees and others tied to Rezko is now being shed.
(AP)
“Senator Obama directed a further review of contributions made by family members and employees of Tony Rezko, and also by others who may have contributed through his efforts on behalf of the Senator's 2004 Senate campaign," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in a statement.
“As a result, the campaign is today donating to charity $72,650, equal to the total amount of contributions made by Mr. Rezko’s family members, employees of his companies and those whose contributions may be connected to the fundraiser at his home.
“By refunding these donations, the campaign has returned any and all funds that could be reasonably credited to Mr. Rezko's political support.”
In November 2006, Obama had told the Chicago Sun-Times his “best estimate” was that Rezko had raised more than $60,000 for him during his political career. The Sun-Times over the summer, however, linked $168,000 in donations to Rezko -- many of them believed to have come during a fund-raiser Rezko held for Obama at Rezko's Wilmette mansion.
Obama’s chief presidential rival, Democrat Hillary Clinton, has accused Obama of not being straight about the money he’s received through Rezko. The former first lady’s attacks came after the Sun-Times first reported about Rezko possibly illegally donating money to Obama through straw donors.