Obama's Friends

[Annie]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/rezko/873770,rezko040208.article

Rezko witness: Gov was told of threat to 'take them down'

April 2, 2008
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BY NATASHA KORECKI AND CHRIS FUSCO Staff Reporters

A Chicago businessman-turned-Hollywood producer who believed he was being shaken down by two of Gov. Blagojevich’s campaign fund-raisers threatened to “take them down” if they didn’t back off, according to a recording played at the Tony Rezko corruption trial today.

And the governor was made aware of the “situation” and agreed the producer shouldn’t get any more state business, star prosecution witness Stuart Levine testified this afternoon.
» Click to enlarge image
According to prosecutors, Stuart Levine, left, and William Cellini plotted to shake down a Hollywood producer for a $1.5 million campaign contribution for Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
(AP)


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The secretly recorded, May 2004 conversation was between Levine and longtime Illinois Republican Party power William Cellini.

An agitated-sounding Cellini is heard telling Levine about a conversation he had with Tom Rosenberg, a principal in the firm Capri Capital who also has produced movies including the hit “Million Dollar Baby.”

According to prosecutors, Levine and Cellini had plotted to shake down Rosenberg for a $1.5 million campaign contribution for Blagojevich in exchange for the $220 million investment deal he sought from a state board. Cellini has not been charged with any crime.

Levine, who has pleaded guilty to taking part with Rezko in schemes to get kickbacks from companies seeking state business, testified that the decision to approach Rosenberg for cash came after Rezko and fellow Blagojevich fund-raiser Chris Kelly learned Rosenberg won big-money deals with the state but hadn’t given to Blagojevich’s campaign fund. On the recording, Cellini tells Levine that Rosenberg angrily rebuked Cellini’s attempt to squeeze him for a campaign donation.

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[acludem]

This makes no sense. Why would a GOP operative be soliciting funds for Blagojevich, a Democrat?

Something smells fishy here.

acludem

 

[Annie]

This makes no sense. Why would a GOP operative be soliciting funds for Blagojevich, a Democrat?

Something smells fishy here.

acludem

Not from Chicago, are you?