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Iraq (5191) Obama-Barack (2003) Barack Obama (1103) Iraq (1078) Chicago (298) Party Politics Democratic (277) Party Machine Democratic (175) Obama Hillary New Hampshire (113) Columnist (55) Rezko (34)
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“Right,” McCormick said, “but why go to this event that was specifically designed for Rezko investors?” "As I said, I have no recollection of the event. Alright?" Obama replied. When asked whether he would remember making a toast to Auchi, Obama stated: "I'm fairly certain I would remember giving a specific toast to somebody. Keep in mind, though, that this was right in the midst of my U.S. Senate campaign, so I was doing three or four events a day. “So, I mean, there were very few events where I wasn't speaking on anything. But I have no recollection of this particular event." However, the Tribune has obtained a copy of an Obama "upcoming events" schedule on his old Senate campaign web site which shows Obama had no personal campaign activities on April 3, 2004, the day of the party. Riverside Park funds legal defense for Board Games defendants Although revelations about the $3.5 million loan immediately prior to the Rezko-Obama real estate deal led to a few stories in the press, it was Auchi’s second $3.5 million loan in April 2007, that drew the most headlines after Rezko was thrown in jail in January 2008. After he was indicted, Rezko claimed he was flat broke and was living off $7,500 a month from friends and family. In a November 17, 2006 letter to the court, his attorney reported there were no assets being held in his name or for his benefit abroad, and that, other than an inactive contract in Iraq, he “has no foreign assets, or holdings, or business interests.” Rezko even told the court he had no money for his legal defense. In a hearing on January 16, 2007, the judge asked Rezko: “How are you paying Mr. Duffy?” “I have been very fortunate to have the family I have and to have some friends that I have. I've been very fortunate,” he said. “So, family members and friends of paying your legal bill?” she asked. “Yes, your Honor,” Rezko replied. “I can confirm that, your Honor,” Duffy told the judge. He went on to tell the court that he had met with members of Rezko’s church, and they “have been extremely supportive and have come forward.” “Mr. Rezko has not provided us any money since his indictment,” Duffy told the court. Rezko also told the judge Rita Rezko had sold the lot next door to Obama but had not received a dime. “Your Honor,” he said, “my wife sold the land, too, in Hyde Park the last few weeks.” “Did she personally own it or did an L.L.C. own it?” the judge asked. “She owned it in a trust, I believe,” Rezko said. “How much did she get for the land?” the judge asked.
Evelyn Pringle is a columnist for OpEd News and investigative journalist focused on exposing corruption in government and corporate America.
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