Rezko Corruption Trial Begins

With jury selection beginning for the corruption trial of Chicago businessman and political fundraiser Tony Rezko, the Chicago Sun-Times offers some background on the key facets of the case. Rezko, a Syrian-born real estate and fast-food tycoon who established footholds in the Illinois governor's circles, is accused of pocketing illegal payouts from companies wishing to do business with the state.

Court officials expect to need overflow seating once the trial starts, as the case's ties to Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Sen. Barack Obama make it the hottest story in town. Big names won't be shielded as they were in court documents, which referred to "Public Official A" and "Individual B." Prosecutors say Rezko gave the Obama campaign  $10,000 from a kickback scheme; Obama isn't accused of wrongdoing, and he has given that donation to charity. (More Chicago stories.)