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Sketchy Donor Could Sully Obama's Image

Chicago businessman Rezko, headed for trial, bundled $200K to Dem

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 23, 2008 4:17 PM CST

(Newser) – Barack Obama’s relationship with a longtime contributor facing federal fraud charges could mar the candidate’s image as a politician unfettered by special interests. On Monday, Hillary Clinton slammed Obama with the allegation that he represented Antoin Rezko, a “slum landlord.” While that was an exaggeration, Rezko’s connection to Obama’s political career is stronger than he has acknowledged, the Los Angeles Times reports.

The Times calculated that Rezko bundled $200,000 since 1995 toward Obama’s Illinois and US Senate campaigns. While Obama has stressed that he did nothing for Rezko’s support, he has recently returned $85,000 in related contributions and had voiced support in the past for some of Rezko’s low-income housing projects. Could this be Obama’s Norman Hsu?

[Images (4)]

[Videos (2)]

Antoin "Tony" Rezko, is seen leaving the federal building in Chicago after a court appearance in an Oct. 19, 2006, file photo. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh, File) (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopeful U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., looks out over the crowd before addressing the Rainbow PUSH annual conference breakfast in Rosemont, Ill., in a June 4, 2007, file photo.... (Associated Press)

Chicago real estate developer and fast-food magnate Antoin "Tony" Rezko leaves federal court in Chicago in this Oct. 19, 2006, file photo. Rezko spent years pouring thousands of dollars in campaign contributions... (Associated Press)

Democratic presidential hopefuls Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y. and Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., participate in a Democratic presidential debate in Myrtle Beach, S.C., Monday, Jan. 21, 2008. (AP Photo/Mary... (Associated Press)

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Obama responds to Hillary's allegation. (pe11201 (YouTube))

Hillary Clinton delivers the "slum landlord" slam. (edwardsiniowa (YouTube))

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Sketchy Donor Could Sully Obama's Image