Rod's dash for cash

Why give when there was a cloud? 'He was still the governor'

Even with a four-year federal investigation bearing down on him, former Gov. Rod Blagojevich's fund-raising operation was in full swing in the months before his arrest late last year on corruption charges.

Documents obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times show 20 campaign fund-raising events that aimed to pull in nearly $400,000 were scheduled between October and Dec. 17 -- several of them planned for the days after Blagojevich's Dec. 9 arrest on charges that included an accusation he tried to sell an appointment to replace President Obama in the U.S. Senate.

Those were later canceled. One fund-raiser was even scheduled for the evening the governor was arrested.

The since-ousted governor's fund-raising took a hit after two of his top former advisers and fund-raisers -- Tony Rezko and Chris Kelly -- were indicted on corruption charges, and it became clear that federal authorities were focusing on Blagojevich.

But a Sun-Times investigation has found that there were still plenty of people -- from trial lawyers to political insiders to various interest groups -- still willing to give to Blagojevich, because, as one of them put it, "He was still the governor."

Here's a rundown:

Held Oct. 14, 2008, at Petterino's restaurant, 150 N. Dearborn.

$35,000 raised.

"It wasn't much of a fund-raiser," said attorney Joseph A. Power Jr., who organized it. "A lot of people didn't want to contribute. He was with the [Illinois] Medical Society and insurance companies. I agreed to give $10,000. A few others gave but not many because he signed a tort-reform bill."

Vice president, McDonough Associates engineering firm.

Held Oct. 16, 2008, at Carmichael's Chicago Steak House, 1025 W. Monroe.

$22,000 raised.

McDonough declined to discuss this fund-raiser, according to company attorney Richard W. Burke. A federal grand jury is investigating McDonough's business dealings under Blagojevich.

Held Oct. 18, 2008, at Kapadia's Lincolnwood home.

$24,150 raised.

Kapadia said he held the small fund-raiser to show his community's appreciation for Blagojevich's initiatives to provide free CTA rides for older people, health insurance for kids and his assistance with a bone-marrow transplant for a 13-year-old girl.

Held Oct. 21, 2008, at Erie Cafe, 536 W. Erie.

$15,000 raised.

"That was not a fund-raiser," said association lobbyist Joseph Handley. "We didn't invite anybody. We did have lunch with the governor. Later that day, we gave one of his emissaries one check from the association. I think that was the final donation we made in 2008."

Boro's Plumbing Inc. of Skokie.

Held Oct. 23, 2008, at Holy Resurrection Church, 5701 N. Redwood.

$21,350 raised.

"He's my country guy," said Nedinic. "I like him. He's from my church. I asked him if they need anything — fund-raiser or something — to help him. I don't know nothing about the politics."

Held Oct. 24, 2008, at Conlon Public Strategies, 350 N. La Salle.

$12,000 raised.

Conlon said he hosted "a little reception" for Blagojevich.

Held Oct. 30, 2008, at Oak Brook home of developer Ron Scarloto.

$53,500 raised.

"I'd have to look up the date," DeLeo said. "Let me get back to you." He never called back.

President, Teng & Associates engineering firm.

Held Nov. 12, 2008, at Teng's offices at 205 N. Michigan.

$60,000 raised.

Dvorak didn't return phone calls. A federal grand jury is investigating Teng's business deals with the Blagojevich administration.

Chairman, Peoples National Bank, Mount Vernon.

Held Nov. 20, 2008.

$42,000 raised.

Bonan didn't return phone calls seeking comment.

President, Baker Engineering.

Held Nov. 25, 2008.

$22,350 raised.

Pellizzari didn't return calls.

Held Nov. 26, 2008, at Holiday Inn, Itasca.

$25,000 raised.

Gilani didn't return phone calls.

Developer

Held Dec. 3, 2008, at Phoenix restaurant, 2131 S. Archer.

$18,450 raised.

"We organized a small reception for him," Chin said. "And the following Tuesday, much to our surprise, he was arrested. Some of us, including me, were able to stop the check. I was disappointed with the whole situation. He seemed so genuine. He talked about a trade mission to Hong Kong and China."

Held Dec. 4, 2008, at CIG Capital, 5683 N. Lincoln Ave.

$10,000 raised.

"The governor had mentioned something to me in September or October," Kelly said. "He told me he was looking to do an event, and could I help out. I got a call from his brother Rob. Ben Weinschneider hosted the event. Most of the people were invited by Weinschneider."

Held Dec. 5, 2008, at O'Brien's restaurant, 1528 N. Wells.

$16,000 raised.

Chamber president Omar Duque couldn't be reached for comment.

Held Dec. 6, 2008, at Waterford Banquet Center, Elmhurst.

$23,500 raised.

Event organizers didn't return calls.

President, Chicago Park District board.

Held Dec. 8, 2008, at Chicago Club, 81 E. Van Buren.

About two dozen people attended the fund-raiser the night before Blagojevich was arrested. "This was something I had agreed to back in the summer," Chico said. He said he and his guests stopped payment on their campaign contributions from the event at which Blagojevich had hoped to raise $50,000. A federal grand jury is investigating Chico's business dealings with the Blagojevich administration.

Prominent asphalt and construction contractor.

Scheduled Dec. 9, 2008.

Vondra canceled this fund-raiser the day before Blagojevich was arrested, documents show. A federal grand jury is investigating Vondra's business dealings with the Blagojevich administration. Vondra didn't return phone calls.

Lobbyist.

Held Dec. 11, 2008, at O'Brien's restaurant, 1528 N. Wells.

Rosenfeld said this fund-raiser was never held. A federal grand jury is investigating Rosenfeld's business deals with the Blagojevich administration.

Shah is president of Globetrotters Engineering; Jones owns Lou Jones Enterprises.

Held Dec. 12, 2008.

$22,000 raised.

Shah and Jones didn't return calls.

Illinois Finance Authority chairman.

Scheduled Dec. 17, 2008.

Brandt's spokesman said the fund-raising event never took place.