Good News, Barack: Rezko Sentencing Postponed

Oct. 28 date may have meant bad publicity for Obama

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 8, 2008 4:15 PM CDT

(Newser) – A federal judge has postponed political fund-raiser Tony Rezko’s October 28 sentencing indefinitely, potentially lightening Barack Obama's political load, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Rezko has been linked to Obama, and his sentencing for improper financial dealings could have meant bad publicity just before the election. The delay is a strong sign that Rezko is offering the government information on Illinois political corruption, the AP notes.

Rezko’s lawyers asked for the delay in order to “work together to agree to otherwise narrow differences at sentencing,” one said. Talks between the government and Rezko’s legal team are set to resume in December.

Seen in a courtroom sketch is Antoin "Tony" Rezko appearing before federal Judge Amy J. St. Eve at federal court in Chicago, Monday, March 3, 2008. (AP Photo/Verna Sadock)

The postponement could prevent a political blow to Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Antoin "Tony" Rezko, left, returns to the Federal Courthouse with a son where a jury found him guilty on 16 counts of a 24-count indictment at his corruption trial in Chicago June 4, 2008. (AP Photo)

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Oct. 28 date may have meant bad publicity for Obama

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Obama, Others Won't Return Ponzi Cash

Receiver wants the $1.8M Allen Stanford gave to politicians

Chinese VP Arrives in Washington

Xi Jinping, China's next president, to meet with Obama

Detroit Bust Would've Been Better Than Bailout

Ex-Prez Bush says bailout his idea, and a good one

Obama Unveils $3.8T Budget, Targets Rich

Budget would institute 'Buffett Rule,' boost infrastructure

White House to Budge on Birth-Control Mandate

'Accommodation' for religious employers will likely be announced today

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