Rezko-rama

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich says he doesn't know much about the Tony Rezko situation. Rezko, a financier with a long history of associating with top Democrats - including Governor Blagojevich and Sen. Obama - is currently being held without bond by the U.S. marshall in Chicago until his Feb. 25 trial for buying influence with politicians and elected officials.

Rezko was arrested yesterday morning at his Wilmette mansion for violating the conditions of the bond he was already out on.

The Chicago Sun-Times, which published its review last June, found that "Obama has collected at least $168,308 from Rezko and his circle," and earlier this week the Los Angeles Times reported that it had found that Rezko and his associates had given "Obama more than $200,000 in donations since 1995." MORE at ABC News...

As for Illinois Governor Blagojevich, you can bet he knows all about the doings of Tony Rezko. Look, whether the Guv has done anything wrong or not is beside the point: Rezko is a major scandal and a major figure in Illinois - and recently national - politics. It is hard to believe that Blago has not been paying attention - particularly since he is under heavy scrutiny by federal prosecutors for matters that may - or may not - turn out to involve Rezko.

Rezko has poured thousands of dollars, both his own money and money he raised, into the campaigns of both Obama and Gov. Rod Blagojevich as well as other Illinois politicians.Neither Obama nor Blagojevich has been charged with any wrongdoing in connection with the Rezko case. Obama has sought to distance himself from Rezko as he runs for the Democratic presidential nomination and has sent thousands of dollars in Rezko-related campaign money to charities. MORE at Journal-Gazette...