Mar 20, 2008 5:49 pm US/Central
Scope Of Rezko's Influence Was Wide, Witness Says
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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Antoin "Tony" Rezko at the Dirksen Federal Building (File)
CBS
We're learning just how influential political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko may have been. The prosecution's star witness testified Thursday that Rezko wielded a lot of power in state government.
CBS 2's Mike Parker reports time and time again Thursday the man who is the key prosecution witness accused Rezko of conspiring with him to take bribes in connection with state government projects.
And he suggested that Rezko knew how to use his clout to get those bribes.
The key prosecution witness, self-confessed political fixer Stuart Levine, testified that Rezko was a force to be reckoned with within the administration of Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Levine, on an FBI wiretap, talked about how Rezko controlled Levine and four other members on a nine-member hospital regulatory board.
"I have never been in a better position than I am right now," he is recorded as saying. "There's never been such tight control over the central apparatus...this guy is making decisions...and can get anything done he wants done."
Later, Levine explained what he meant: "Although I have been involved in politics and corrupt political deals before, I have never been a part of...someone who was able to influence the governor as Mr. Rezko was."
And he went on about Rezko: "He wants us to take whatever we can."
"Mr. Rezko indicated to me there would be a lot of opportunities" to make money, Levine said.
At one point, Levine said he was trying to get Rezko to back a crooked hospital deal. He said he asked Rezko, "Would it make a difference if you and I could make a lot of money?"
Rezko's alleged response: "You bet."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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