Politics

Though He's Not On Trial, Blagojevich Taking Heat

Governor's Name Brought Up Dozens Of Times Wednesday In Trial Of Fundraiser And Friend, Tony Rezko

CHICAGO (CBS) ― He's not on trial, but Gov. Rod Blagojevich was the center of attention in a courtroom at the Dirksen Federal Building Wednesday. His name came up dozens of times at the trial of indicted political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko.

On the stand Wednesday, admitted political fixer Stuart Levine used Blagojevich's name about 30 times while testifying against Rezko, but raising many questions about the governor.

CBS 2's Mike Parker reports when Rezko attorney Joe Duffy passed reporters, he joked, "Welcome to the Vrdolyak trial." But unlike Tuesday, when the former alderman's name came up repeatedly in testimony, this day was different.
Instead, Levine, the prosecution's star witness, repeatedly talked about Blagojevich. According to Levine, during a charter flight to New York City in 2003, he thanked the governor for appointing him to a hospital regulating board.

Levine quoted the governor as saying, "Never discuss any state board with me." Then he testified Blagojevich told him, "You stick with us and you'll do very well for yourself."

Levine went on, "I took it to mean you have an opportunity to make a lot of money."

As for Levine's accused co-schemer Rezko, Levine said Rezko told him that all the major decisions in the governor's office were cleared by Rezko and Blagojevich chief of staff lon Monk.

Levine is testifying under a plea deal with the government. He still faces prison. His role, his lawyer says, is difficult.

"He is obviously going through quite a bit," said attorney Jeffrey Steinback. "This is an important situation for him and he is managing it the best he can."

Late Wednesday, a spokesperson for Blagojevich issued a statement, saying: "Stuart Levine's assertions about the governor are wrong. That's not the way the governor does business."

Blagojevich has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

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