This is another topic that was brought up originally by the Clinton campaign during the primaries. There was lots and lots of innuendo, but after thorough investigation... it all amounted to nothing.
It can be summed up thusly:
- Tony Rezko was a powerful real estate developer in Chicago.
- He was an early financial supporter of Obama.
- Obama bought a house next to a piece of land that was bought by Rezko. Obama later bought part of that lot from the Rezko's, at market value.
- Rezko never requested nor received political favors from Obama, save one: Obama gave an internship to a friend's son at Rezko's request.
- Many years later, Rezko was indicted for crimes that we have no reason to believe Obama was aware of. Obama severed ties at that point.
Nothing illegal or improper has ever been found... and don't think for a moment that the GOP war machine hasn't been digging HARD. Yes, he received campaign contributions from the man, just as he has from millions of others. He has been forthright in stating that the real estate deal to buy his house -- while again not improper -- was a "boneheaded move" simply because of the conclusions people might draw.
Notably missing from ALL the information on ties between Obama and Rezko is even a HINT that there was some sort of wrong-doing or quid-pro-quo from Obama in return for the campaign financing help that he received. It is widely believed that Rezko's main reason for supporting Obama was that it made him feel important/connected to be close to a political candidate. It was merely a status symbol for him.
Sources:
- http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2008/02/01/rezko/index1.html
- http://www.suntimes.com/news/watchdogs/757340,CST-NWS-watchdog24.article
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