Rezko Pal, Rove Tried to Oust US Attorney, Witness Says

One of Tony Rezko's associates conspired with Karl Rove to try to get US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald fired to quash a federal investigation of Rezko, the Chicago Tribune reports. Prosecutors hope a judge will allow testimony to that effect in Rezko's corruption trial. Rove denies the allegations, as does the man with whom he allegedly discussed the matter in 2004, a GOP heavyweight named Robert Kjellander.

"Karl has known Kjellander for many years but does not recall him or anyone else arguing for Fitzgerald's removal," said Rove's attorney. The judge has yet to rule on whether to allow the testimony. Rezko was a heavy contributor to Barack Obama, another reason his trial is drawing national attention. (More Tony Rezko stories.)