Another big corruption trial
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was a minnow compared to the whale on trial in Chicago.
People who don't pay close attention to Illinois politics probably thought Rod Blagojevich was the biggest fish federal prosecutors could land in their latest corruption investigation.
But those who really follow the ins-and-outs in Springfield and Chicago know that Illinois' king of clout went on trial this week at the federal courthouse in Chicago.
Whether he's called the "king of clout" by The News-Gazette, the "consigliere" of Illinois by the Chicago Tribune or "the pope" by his friends, Springfield businessman William Cellini has been the man behind the curtain of Illinois politics for decades.
A master back-room dealer who oversaw the donations of campaign contributions to powerful politicians in both parties, Cellini grew rich off his government connections. Now, at 76, he's charged with participating in a Blagojevich-sponsored extortion plot.
It remains to be seen if the government can prove its case against Cellini beyond a reasonable doubt. The government filed similar charges against Blagojevich henchman Antoine "Tony" Rezko, and they were among the few allegations against Rezko that didn't stick. So a Cellini conviction is no sure thing.
It is, however, clear that Cellini was working closely with Blago's fixers in their effort to collect huge payments from businesses seeking contracts with state government.
Cellini allegedly joined Rezko, Stuart Levine and Chris Kelly in a plot to demand campaign donations from Thomas Rosenberg of Capri Capital in exchange for a $220 million investment contract from the state's Teachers Retirement System. The feds have tape-recorded phone conversations to buttress their claims.
Levine, who has pleaded guilty, will testify. Rezko is awaiting sentencing and may testify. Kelly, who grew up in Champaign, committed suicide. Blagojevich also is awaiting sentencing.
Jury selection began this week, and live testimony is expected soon. Readers ought to pay attention. It should be an Illinois-style civics lesson.
Mr. Cellini served the Thompson (Winston, and Strawn firm presently) administration. He was vital in the state financing of the building of the Renaissance Hotel in Springfield. The State of Illinois later took a huge loss on the enterprise. Mr. Cellini has served the Illinois Association of Asphalters well during his tenure as an officer. He previously held a position with I.D.O.T. Mr. Cellini has been vital to both Republican, and Democrat governors and legislators. He has numerous relatives in state employment. Mr. Cellini knows enough about insider Illinois politics to write the unofficial history of "the Fix". Many people are nervous about what he might say to defend himself. They should not be worried. Mr. Cellini is "stand up"; and he is not a "Rat". He always kept his end of the deal. His partners always made money. He, more importantly, always helped the less fortunate among us in his personal life. I would much rather have Mr. Cellini for a friend than Mr. Madigan if he has any friends.
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