In Obama's Circle, Chicago Remains The Tie That Binds

The Washington Post reports on Obama's Chicago connections.Here's an interesting look at Eric Whitaker:

As the stakes get higher, Obama's friends have grown more cautious and protective -- and in some cases have attracted controversy. Whitaker's name surfaced as part of the scandal involving longtime Obama fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko, because Obama had recommended his shy and studious friend to Rezko for a state job. The exchange took place after Rod Blagojevich was elected Illinois governor, and Whitaker applied for the head job at the state Public Health Department.

A Chicago developer and early Obama supporter, Rezko, acting as one of Blagojevich's liaisons, had contacted Obama to seek recommendations for state jobs. Obama singled out Whitaker, noting that he had already applied for the public health post. "I simply said, 'I think this guy is outstanding and is certainly somebody who is worthy of an interview,' " Obama told the Chicago Tribune in a lengthy interview recounting his Rezko contacts. Rezko was later convicted of federal corruption charges, and although the case did not implicate Obama, his Rezko association has caused him significant political embarrassment.

The Post article also mentions Obama's good friend, Chicago Mob linked banker Alexi Giannoulias.The Post forgot to mention Alexi Giannoulias's past.