Blagojevich Holds Fundraiser on Chicago Mob Linked Property

The Chicago Tribune reports:

Gov. Rod Blagojevich rarely appears in public these days, but he popped up Wednesday night at Tavern on Rush for an intimate political fundraiser that was a classic display of cash and clout.

Blagojevich was greeted outside by trusted adviser and longtime fundraiser John Wyma, whose deep ties to the governor have made him a highly sought lobbyist with companies seeking contracts from state agencies and the Illinois Tollway.

And waiting inside was Blagojevich’s tollway chairman and more than a dozen campaign contributors, including at least one businessman with tollway and state contracts.

The scene was not unlike many such private gatherings that have helped Blagojevich break records in a state with few fundraising restrictions. But this event came at a time when his campaign fundraising tactics are under federal investigation and convicted political insiders have testified that Blagojevich personally talked of rewarding contributors with state business.

Just over two miles away Not far from the tony restaurant on Rush Street, a federal jury is deliberating the fate of former top Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin “Tony” Rezko, charged with using his ties to Blagojevich to extort campaign donations and personal bribes from people seeking state business.

Blagojevich has not been charged with wrongdoing, and a spokesman for his political fund said the governor plans to continue raising money.

The Friends of Blagojevich fund has been depleted in part by more than $2 million in legal bills in recent years, though his campaign has refused to say whether the expenses were connected to the federal investigation.

Here's John Kass on the real estate under Tavern on Rush.