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Gov Not Only Politician To Benefit From Fundraiser

Rezko Gave Thousands To State, National Officials

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) ― While Gov. Rod Blagojevich is the biggest beneficiary of Antoin "Tony" Rezko's largesse, he is not the only politician to have taken contributions from the political insider who is under federal indictment.

Rezko is linked to $47,500 in donations to Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn, $33,000 in contributions to Attorney General Lisa Madigan, and $20,000 to Comptroller Dan Hynes, all Democrats, according to state records.

But State Board of Elections records show Quinn's campaign returned four $5,000 checks to Rezko-related businesses in spring 2002. Quinn said Thursday night the checks bounced -- the balance of the contributions, he intends to donate to charity.

In all, Rezko, his companies and businesses that share the same address have contributed more than $400,000 to state political campaigns, including a few Republicans, in the past decade.

Rezko also has aided federal campaigns, giving more than $62,000 since 1997, according to the Federal Election Commission. Democratic U.S. Sen. Barack Obama received $11,500, on top of $8,500 from Rezko when he was a state senator.

Rezko, 51, was charged Wednesday with taking part in an elaborate scheme to get millions of dollars from companies wanting to do business with the state Teachers' Retirement System.

Blagojevich, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing, announced Wednesday that he would donate Rezko's political contributions to charity.

Up for re-election Nov. 7, Blagojevich estimated Rezko's generosity at $60,000 to $70,000. But a review of state election records shows that Rezko and companies he's involved with have contributed $91,450 to the Chicago Democrat.

Other politicians faced calls Thursday for them to return money related to the federal indictment. The indictment mentions, but does not identify, several people that prosecutors believe had a role in the kickback scheme.

Republican treasurer candidate Christine Radogno said Democratic opponent Alexi Giannoulias should return $14,000 received from Michael Winter. She cited a newspaper report identifying him as one of the unnamed figures.

Republican congressional candidate Peter Roskam, citing the same report, called on Democrat Tammy Duckworth to return $1,000 from Myron Cherry.

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