As we've anticipated for weeks, Roland Burris isn't going away quietly, regardless of the damage he might do to the Democrats, or to Alexi Giannoulias's chances to win election to the U.S. Senate.
Politico reports:
Illinois Sen. Roland Burris is moving ahead with a legal challenge to a judge’s decision blocking new candidates from filing to run in a special election for the final months of President Barack Obama’s old Senate term.
Burris filed a notice Wednesday evening indicating that he will appeal U.S. District Judge John Grady’s ruling that the parties’ nominees for the Nov. 2 general election would automatically be placed on the ballot as nominees for a special election to serve between Election Day and the start of the next Congress.
That decision would make Democratic state Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and Republican Rep. Mark Kirk the major-party candidates in a special. But Burris wants the option of running for the seat himself, in order to serve an additional few weeks in his appointed office.
I guess maybe President Obama should have said a few words to Senator Burris when Obama jetted in to save Alexi's fundraising bacon. But, then, since when has Burris ever listed to anyone?
That's what I've been counting on...
h/t Capitol Fax Blog
Thursday, August 5, 2010
NRSC Hits Alexi Giannoulias with New Web Ad: “Transactions”
From an NRSC Press release:
NRSC Launches New Web Ad: “Transactions”
WASHINGTON – As President Barack Obama travels to Chicago in an attempt to bail out Democrat Senate hopeful and mob banker Alexi Giannoulias’ struggling campaign with a ritzy fundraiser, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) launched a new Web ad entitled “Transactions.”
The NRSC’s new Web ad evaluates Giannoulias’ questionable record and personal scandals, including his bank loans to unsavory characters and convicted felons Tony Rezko and “Jaws” Giorango, his loss of $150 million after gambling Illinois’ college savings on risky investments, his failure to pay income taxes while demanding tax hikes for Illinois voters, and the federal takeover of his family’s business, Broadway Bank, which cost taxpayers over $390 million.
Plus, we have this:
NRSC Chairman Cornyn Responds To President Obama’s Fundraiser In Illinois For Alexi Giannoulias
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), issued the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s fundraiser for Democrat Senate hopeful Alexi Giannoulias (D-IL) in Chicago today:
“It will certainly be interesting to hear how President Obama squares his rhetoric slamming fat cat bankers with his decision today to campaign for a candidate who loaned money to the mob, made millions of dollars without paying taxes, and whose risky loan decisions led to a government takeover of his family’s bank.
“President Obama firmly stated earlier this year that ‘bankers don’t need another vote in the United States Senate, yet less than 90 days before the midterm elections, he’s campaigning for a failed mob banker who loaned money to known criminals and lost $150 million of taxpayer dollars after he gambled away Illinois’ college savings. How times have changed for Democrats in Washington.
“After witnessing the lack of accountability and responsibility in Illinois and the reckless spending by Democrats in Washington, voters understand that they need a leader who will instill real change. That’s why we are confident that Illinois voters will elect a proven leader in Mark Kirk to the U.S. Senate this November.”
# # #
NRSC Launches New Web Ad: “Transactions”
WASHINGTON – As President Barack Obama travels to Chicago in an attempt to bail out Democrat Senate hopeful and mob banker Alexi Giannoulias’ struggling campaign with a ritzy fundraiser, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) launched a new Web ad entitled “Transactions.”
The NRSC’s new Web ad evaluates Giannoulias’ questionable record and personal scandals, including his bank loans to unsavory characters and convicted felons Tony Rezko and “Jaws” Giorango, his loss of $150 million after gambling Illinois’ college savings on risky investments, his failure to pay income taxes while demanding tax hikes for Illinois voters, and the federal takeover of his family’s business, Broadway Bank, which cost taxpayers over $390 million.
Plus, we have this:
NRSC Chairman Cornyn Responds To President Obama’s Fundraiser In Illinois For Alexi Giannoulias
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX), Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), issued the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s fundraiser for Democrat Senate hopeful Alexi Giannoulias (D-IL) in Chicago today:
“It will certainly be interesting to hear how President Obama squares his rhetoric slamming fat cat bankers with his decision today to campaign for a candidate who loaned money to the mob, made millions of dollars without paying taxes, and whose risky loan decisions led to a government takeover of his family’s bank.
“President Obama firmly stated earlier this year that ‘bankers don’t need another vote in the United States Senate, yet less than 90 days before the midterm elections, he’s campaigning for a failed mob banker who loaned money to known criminals and lost $150 million of taxpayer dollars after he gambled away Illinois’ college savings. How times have changed for Democrats in Washington.
“After witnessing the lack of accountability and responsibility in Illinois and the reckless spending by Democrats in Washington, voters understand that they need a leader who will instill real change. That’s why we are confident that Illinois voters will elect a proven leader in Mark Kirk to the U.S. Senate this November.”
# # #
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
More on the Broadway Bank--Giannoulias--Rezko Connection, and Alexi's March 2006 Statements
Fox News had a piece on the Broadway Bank-Giannoulias-Rezko loan issue, and cited the 2006 Windy City Times interview of Alexi that we here at Team America first brought to the surface this past Monday:
h/t Illinois Review.
Greg Hinz also touched on this today:
The Sun-Times on Monday had a big story about a Broadway Bank loan to a partnership including Rod Blagojevich crony Tony Rezko in February 2006. Team Giannoulias responded that he was campaigning full time for state treasurer at that time, having taken a leave of absence from the bank in September 2005.
Problem is, it turns out, Mr. Giannoulias was quoted in newspaper clips well into 2006 as talking about his work at the bank —in the present tense. And, as it turns out, the on-leave Mr. Giannoulias still got a $40,000 paycheck from the bank in the first half of 2006.
A campaign spokeswoman responds that the leave was a paid leave — from his father's bank.
Expect to hear more from Team Kirk about that one.
Yes, Greg, and from Team America, too...
h/t Illinois Review.
Greg Hinz also touched on this today:
The Sun-Times on Monday had a big story about a Broadway Bank loan to a partnership including Rod Blagojevich crony Tony Rezko in February 2006. Team Giannoulias responded that he was campaigning full time for state treasurer at that time, having taken a leave of absence from the bank in September 2005.
Problem is, it turns out, Mr. Giannoulias was quoted in newspaper clips well into 2006 as talking about his work at the bank —in the present tense. And, as it turns out, the on-leave Mr. Giannoulias still got a $40,000 paycheck from the bank in the first half of 2006.
A campaign spokeswoman responds that the leave was a paid leave — from his father's bank.
Expect to hear more from Team Kirk about that one.
Yes, Greg, and from Team America, too...
Alexi Giannoulias Paid for No Work at Broadway Bank (?)
As Mark Twain, one of my favorite authors, wrote, "If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything."
How many people are now wondering if that statement applies to Alexi Giannoulias and his assertion that he was not involved with making a $20 million loan from his family's failed Broadway Bank to a company partially owned by convicted real estate investor and political influencer Tony Rezko?
Over the past few days, after the story broke in the Sun-Times, Team Giannoulias responded that he had nothing to do with making that particular loan, since the loan was made in February 2006, and he had been on a leave of absence from Broadway Bank since September 2005 in order to make a run for State Treasurer:
"Alexi left daily operations of the bank in September of 2005, months before this loan was made," says Kathleen Strand of his campaign staff. "He had no knowledge of it, and his name is not on any documents related to the loan.
Oh, okay then. Well, then it turns out that holes in that cover story were pretty obvious.
First, GOP U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Mark Kirk's team noted that: As late as December 20, 2005, Alexi Giannoulias told reporters that he was still vice president and senior loan officer at Broadway Bank. “Giannoulias noted that he currently serves as vice president and senior loan officer at the four-branch Broadway Bank in Chicago.” (State Journal-Register, “Senator announces run for treasurer,” 12/20/05)
Team Kirk also pointed out that: The Chicago Tribune reported that Alexi Giannoulias received a $41,000 salary from Broadway Bank in 2006.
After that, your very own Team America did a little digging this past Monday, and found out that Giannoulias had been interviewed as late as March 2006, and he was still contending that he was employed at the bank:
Windy City Times: What's your biggest advantage and your biggest disadvantage?
Alexi Giannoulias: That's easy. My biggest advantage is that this is a fiscal office and I'm a banker and a financial manager. The state treasurer is responsible for investing $12 billion—and you want someone who's [ invested ] before. My opponent may be a nice guy, but he's more qualified to be an attorney general.
My parents founded Broadway Bank; over the past four years, we've more than doubled in asset size. I'm senior loan officer and vice president, so I oversee a $600 million loan department. I'm also chief investment officer and invest about $150 million.
Rich Miller at Capitol Fax picked up on this ("Which Giannoulias do we believe?") the next day and questioned the Giannoulias campaign about it, as all of the above statements from Alexi sure sounded like they were in the present tense (as of March 2006, after the latest Rezko loan had closed). And what about that $41,000 that was paid to Alexi in 2006? Didn't that salary show he was still working at the bank?
Team Giannoulias responded to Miller:
It was a passing reference to his position at the bank. He didn’t resign or quit. He took leave and if he lost his election he would have resumed his job at the bank.
In comments, Miller explained that the campaign claims it was a PAID leave, so THAT'S why he shows a bank salary for 2006 on his income statements.
So, let's get this straight: Team Giannoulias claims that Alexi was on PAID LEAVE from Broadway Bank, doing no work for months (exactly when he went on this "leave" we don't know for certain, and Team Giannoulias claims they have no records because the bank was taken over by the feds), even though this seems directly contradictory to his several statements that he was STILL the bank's senior loan officer. So, Alexi gets paid a handsome salary (for no work) for months, while out campaigning for a political job, and then the bank fails? Swell.
Am I the only one who thinks this story doesn't smell right? Alexi is a millionaire. Why did he need to continue to draw a salary from the bank while he was campaigning (can I get a gig like that?) Why would the bank management agree to this (oh, yes, the bank president was his brother. How convenient).
Obviously, it wasn't Alexi's ghost payroll salary alone that sunk the bank. Risky loans and other mismanagement did that. But it sure don't add up to a good track record for a guy who campaigned on his financial management skills and experience.
And guess what? Now that Alexi has firmly painted himself into a corner on this story, all it will take is one piece of evidence that Alexi was still acting as senior loan officer at the bank any time from September 2005 on, to crater his entire campaign.
How many people are now wondering if that statement applies to Alexi Giannoulias and his assertion that he was not involved with making a $20 million loan from his family's failed Broadway Bank to a company partially owned by convicted real estate investor and political influencer Tony Rezko?
Over the past few days, after the story broke in the Sun-Times, Team Giannoulias responded that he had nothing to do with making that particular loan, since the loan was made in February 2006, and he had been on a leave of absence from Broadway Bank since September 2005 in order to make a run for State Treasurer:
"Alexi left daily operations of the bank in September of 2005, months before this loan was made," says Kathleen Strand of his campaign staff. "He had no knowledge of it, and his name is not on any documents related to the loan.
Oh, okay then. Well, then it turns out that holes in that cover story were pretty obvious.
First, GOP U.S. Senate candidate Congressman Mark Kirk's team noted that: As late as December 20, 2005, Alexi Giannoulias told reporters that he was still vice president and senior loan officer at Broadway Bank. “Giannoulias noted that he currently serves as vice president and senior loan officer at the four-branch Broadway Bank in Chicago.” (State Journal-Register, “Senator announces run for treasurer,” 12/20/05)
Team Kirk also pointed out that: The Chicago Tribune reported that Alexi Giannoulias received a $41,000 salary from Broadway Bank in 2006.
After that, your very own Team America did a little digging this past Monday, and found out that Giannoulias had been interviewed as late as March 2006, and he was still contending that he was employed at the bank:
Windy City Times: What's your biggest advantage and your biggest disadvantage?
Alexi Giannoulias: That's easy. My biggest advantage is that this is a fiscal office and I'm a banker and a financial manager. The state treasurer is responsible for investing $12 billion—and you want someone who's [ invested ] before. My opponent may be a nice guy, but he's more qualified to be an attorney general.
My parents founded Broadway Bank; over the past four years, we've more than doubled in asset size. I'm senior loan officer and vice president, so I oversee a $600 million loan department. I'm also chief investment officer and invest about $150 million.
Rich Miller at Capitol Fax picked up on this ("Which Giannoulias do we believe?") the next day and questioned the Giannoulias campaign about it, as all of the above statements from Alexi sure sounded like they were in the present tense (as of March 2006, after the latest Rezko loan had closed). And what about that $41,000 that was paid to Alexi in 2006? Didn't that salary show he was still working at the bank?
Team Giannoulias responded to Miller:
It was a passing reference to his position at the bank. He didn’t resign or quit. He took leave and if he lost his election he would have resumed his job at the bank.
In comments, Miller explained that the campaign claims it was a PAID leave, so THAT'S why he shows a bank salary for 2006 on his income statements.
So, let's get this straight: Team Giannoulias claims that Alexi was on PAID LEAVE from Broadway Bank, doing no work for months (exactly when he went on this "leave" we don't know for certain, and Team Giannoulias claims they have no records because the bank was taken over by the feds), even though this seems directly contradictory to his several statements that he was STILL the bank's senior loan officer. So, Alexi gets paid a handsome salary (for no work) for months, while out campaigning for a political job, and then the bank fails? Swell.
Am I the only one who thinks this story doesn't smell right? Alexi is a millionaire. Why did he need to continue to draw a salary from the bank while he was campaigning (can I get a gig like that?) Why would the bank management agree to this (oh, yes, the bank president was his brother. How convenient).
Obviously, it wasn't Alexi's ghost payroll salary alone that sunk the bank. Risky loans and other mismanagement did that. But it sure don't add up to a good track record for a guy who campaigned on his financial management skills and experience.
And guess what? Now that Alexi has firmly painted himself into a corner on this story, all it will take is one piece of evidence that Alexi was still acting as senior loan officer at the bank any time from September 2005 on, to crater his entire campaign.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Bob Dold Rolls With Third Radio Ad: "Back to Work"
Bob Dold, GOP candidate for the 10th Congressional District, rolls on with his third radio ad, "Back to Work":
"Meet Robert Dold. He is a father of three and a small business owner who was born and raised in Illinois’ Tenth District. He is running for Congress because he is concerned about the policies coming out of Washington."
"I’m Robert Dold. I’m a small business owner in the District and I can tell you that Washington D.C is taxing and spending us to the tipping point. We need to put people back to work, plain and simple. And Washington D.C. has created this cloud of uncertainty, whether it would be 'cap-and-trade,' the affect of the health care bill. Whatever it may be, small businesses are not investing back in their business and consequently we have one of the highest unemployment rates in recent memory. Added to that, Congress is about to implement one of the largest tax increases in a generation. There’s a better way. A better way to move forward, to create jobs and a better way to put us on the right path. So please join with me. I’m Robert Dold and I approve this message. So go to doldforcongress.com, and let's get back to work!"
"Meet Robert Dold. He is a father of three and a small business owner who was born and raised in Illinois’ Tenth District. He is running for Congress because he is concerned about the policies coming out of Washington."
"I’m Robert Dold. I’m a small business owner in the District and I can tell you that Washington D.C is taxing and spending us to the tipping point. We need to put people back to work, plain and simple. And Washington D.C. has created this cloud of uncertainty, whether it would be 'cap-and-trade,' the affect of the health care bill. Whatever it may be, small businesses are not investing back in their business and consequently we have one of the highest unemployment rates in recent memory. Added to that, Congress is about to implement one of the largest tax increases in a generation. There’s a better way. A better way to move forward, to create jobs and a better way to put us on the right path. So please join with me. I’m Robert Dold and I approve this message. So go to doldforcongress.com, and let's get back to work!"
Monday, August 2, 2010
Alexi Giannoulias Continues His Retreat From Broadway Bank Experience Claims
We've noted before how ironic it is that Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias touted his banking experience at his family's Broadway Bank as a primary credential (heck, his ONLY credential) while running for State Treasurer. Then, as soon as the details on Broadway's loans to shady characters became clear, he began running from his banking past at warp speed.
We weren't the only ones to notice. The Tribune noted:
"When the family bank was flying high and Giannoulias had his eye on the treasurer's office, he was the senior loan officer, but when the tough decisions were made or the questionable characters came to call, it was almost always Alexi's day to empty the wastebaskets."
Now, details of new loans to the likes of Tony Rezko are surfacing, and Giannoulias continues to retreat from his banking ties. Today, in response to the Sun-Times story about the Rezko loan that we told you about earlier, Giannoulias' campaign team said:
"Alexi left daily operations of the bank in September of 2005, months before this loan was made," says Kathleen Strand of his campaign staff. "He had no knowledge of it, and his name is not on any documents related to the loan.
The Kirk Campaign responds:
***FACT CHECK***
Giannoulias Claimed to be Senior Loan Officer in Late December 2005
Misleading Giannoulias Claim: In response to the Chicago Sun-Times uncovering a Broadway Bank loan made to Tony Rezko and Nadhmi Auchi while Alexi Giannoulias was Vice President and Senior Loan Officer, the Giannoulias campaign said: “Alexi left daily operation of the bank in September of 2005.”
FACT: As late as December 20, 2005, Alexi Giannoulias told reporters that he was still vice president and senior loan officer at Broadway Bank. “Giannoulias noted that he currently serves as vice president and senior loan officer at the four-branch Broadway Bank in Chicago.” (State Journal-Register, “Senator announces run for treasurer,” 12/20/05)
FACT: The newly disclosed loan to Auchi and Rezko was completed in February 2006, which suggests negotiations began in late 2005 while Giannoulias, by his own account, was Senior Loan Officer.
FACT: The Chicago Tribune reported that Alexi Giannoulias received a $41,000 salary from Broadway Bank in 2006.
FACT: Alexi Giannoulias cannot explain why Broadway Bank would loan money to a convicted felon (Auchi) and an individual known to be under federal investigation for corruption (Rezko), especially when the latter was already delinquent on a previous loan.
FACT: Alexi Giannoulias cannot explain why he misled the Chicago Tribune when he suggested his family and Broadway Bank could not have known about Tony Rezko’s alleged criminal activities when loans to him were made.
###
A little Internet research reveals that Alexi was still making the claim to be front and center of the bank's loan operations as recently as a March 2006 interview with the LGBT Windy City Times:
Windy City Times: What's your biggest advantage and your biggest disadvantage?
Alexi Giannoulias: That's easy. My biggest advantage is that this is a fiscal office and I'm a banker and a financial manager. The state treasurer is responsible for investing $12 billion—and you want someone who's [ invested ] before. My opponent may be a nice guy, but he's more qualified to be an attorney general.
My parents founded Broadway Bank; over the past four years, we've more than doubled in asset size. I'm senior loan officer and vice president, so I oversee a $600 million loan department. I'm also chief investment officer and invest about $150 million.
What a short memory you have, Alexi.
We weren't the only ones to notice. The Tribune noted:
"When the family bank was flying high and Giannoulias had his eye on the treasurer's office, he was the senior loan officer, but when the tough decisions were made or the questionable characters came to call, it was almost always Alexi's day to empty the wastebaskets."
Now, details of new loans to the likes of Tony Rezko are surfacing, and Giannoulias continues to retreat from his banking ties. Today, in response to the Sun-Times story about the Rezko loan that we told you about earlier, Giannoulias' campaign team said:
"Alexi left daily operations of the bank in September of 2005, months before this loan was made," says Kathleen Strand of his campaign staff. "He had no knowledge of it, and his name is not on any documents related to the loan.
The Kirk Campaign responds:
***FACT CHECK***
Giannoulias Claimed to be Senior Loan Officer in Late December 2005
Misleading Giannoulias Claim: In response to the Chicago Sun-Times uncovering a Broadway Bank loan made to Tony Rezko and Nadhmi Auchi while Alexi Giannoulias was Vice President and Senior Loan Officer, the Giannoulias campaign said: “Alexi left daily operation of the bank in September of 2005.”
FACT: As late as December 20, 2005, Alexi Giannoulias told reporters that he was still vice president and senior loan officer at Broadway Bank. “Giannoulias noted that he currently serves as vice president and senior loan officer at the four-branch Broadway Bank in Chicago.” (State Journal-Register, “Senator announces run for treasurer,” 12/20/05)
FACT: The newly disclosed loan to Auchi and Rezko was completed in February 2006, which suggests negotiations began in late 2005 while Giannoulias, by his own account, was Senior Loan Officer.
FACT: The Chicago Tribune reported that Alexi Giannoulias received a $41,000 salary from Broadway Bank in 2006.
FACT: Alexi Giannoulias cannot explain why Broadway Bank would loan money to a convicted felon (Auchi) and an individual known to be under federal investigation for corruption (Rezko), especially when the latter was already delinquent on a previous loan.
FACT: Alexi Giannoulias cannot explain why he misled the Chicago Tribune when he suggested his family and Broadway Bank could not have known about Tony Rezko’s alleged criminal activities when loans to him were made.
###
A little Internet research reveals that Alexi was still making the claim to be front and center of the bank's loan operations as recently as a March 2006 interview with the LGBT Windy City Times:
Windy City Times: What's your biggest advantage and your biggest disadvantage?
Alexi Giannoulias: That's easy. My biggest advantage is that this is a fiscal office and I'm a banker and a financial manager. The state treasurer is responsible for investing $12 billion—and you want someone who's [ invested ] before. My opponent may be a nice guy, but he's more qualified to be an attorney general.
My parents founded Broadway Bank; over the past four years, we've more than doubled in asset size. I'm senior loan officer and vice president, so I oversee a $600 million loan department. I'm also chief investment officer and invest about $150 million.
What a short memory you have, Alexi.
Any Mention of Tony Rezko with Alexi Giannoulias Can't Be Good
The Chicago Sun-Times is about the only paper it seems that I don't get home delivery on, so when I happened to pick up a copy at work today and noticed a huge splash on the 4th page about another tie of the Giannoulias' family's Broadway Bank to convicted real estate investor Tony Rezko, I took some notice. The short version is that the Sun-Times dug up another loan made by Broadway Bank to Tony Rezko, after Rezko's tainted activities were already becoming know, and on top of being delinquent on a previous loan that Broadway Bank had made.
But so what, Team Giannoulias will ask, that second loan was made after Alexi had moved on from the Bank and became State Treasurer. Ah, but it not the crime, it's the coverup, according to Mark Kirk's campaign team:
Giannoulias Misled Voters on Loan to Tony Rezko
“For [Mark Kirk] to say that the bank should have known that Tony Rezko’s company, or that Tony Rezko would have this certain thing 5 or 6 years later, it’s a tough argument for him to make.” – Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, March 3, 2010
Chicago Sun-Times reveals Broadway Bank loaned Tony Rezko $22.75 million in 2006, when “Rezko was already politically radioactive”
Background: The Chicago Sun-Times reported today that Broadway Bank loaned $22.75 million to a company partially owned by Tony Rezko in February of 2006, well after Rezko’s corrupt dealings and connections to former Governor Rod Blagojevich were exposed by the media. Alexi Giannoulias was Vice President and Senior Loan Officer of Broadway Bank at the time of the loan and received a $41,000 salary for 2006.
Previous Giannoulias Statement: Alexi Giannoulias has excused Broadway Bank’s loans to Tony Rezko by claiming that the loans were made before Tony Rezko’s crimes were known. On March 3, 2010, Giannoulias told the Chicago Tribune: “For [Mark Kirk] to say that the bank should have known that Tony Rezko’s company, or that Tony Rezko would have this certain thing 5 or 6 years later, it’s a tough argument for him to make.”
Giannoulias Misled Voters on Rezko: Giannoulias made his March 3, 2010 statement despite Broadway Bank’s 2006 loan to Rezko – well after Rezko’s corruption was known. On February 14, 2006, when the loan papers were signed, Tony Rezko’s name had appeared in news accounts nearly 200 times in the previous year, according to Lexis Nexis. By that point, anyone in Chicago with a newspaper subscription knew about Tony Rezko’s corruption.
Giannoulias and Broadway Bank in 2006: Despite Giannoulias’ campaign statement today that “Alexi left daily operation of the bank in September of 2005,” the Chicago Tribune reported that Alexi Giannoulias received a $41,000 salary from Broadway Bank in 2006. On December 20, 2005, the State Journal-Register reported that “Giannoulias noted that he currently serves as vice president and senior loan officer at the four-branch Broadway Bank in Chicago.”
Broadway’s Prior Loans to Rezko: According to an October 13, 2006 report by Chicago Sun-Times, Broadway Bank loaned Tony Rezko $1 million in September 2002. The Chicago Tribune reported that Broadway Bank also loaned $10.9 million to a Rezko-owned company in January 2002. Today’s Sun-Times report brings Broadway Bank’s total loans to Tony Rezko to roughly $34.7 million between 2002 and 2006.
Other Giannoulias-Rezko Ties: Tony Rezko used his influence with Rod Blagojevich to help Alexi Giannoulias’ brother, Demetris. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Rezko was listed on a Blagojevich “clout list” as Demetris Giannoulias’ sponsor for an appointment to the Illinois Finance Authority.
Broadway Bank Should Have Known about Auchi: According to the Sun-Times, Rezko’s business partner in the real estate venture was Iraqi billionaire Nadhmi Auchi. In 2008, the Sun-Times reportedAuchi was convicted in France in 2003 on charges of fraud and was barred from entering the United States.
###
More analysis on this from Illinois Review and Backyard Conservative.
But so what, Team Giannoulias will ask, that second loan was made after Alexi had moved on from the Bank and became State Treasurer. Ah, but it not the crime, it's the coverup, according to Mark Kirk's campaign team:
Giannoulias Misled Voters on Loan to Tony Rezko
“For [Mark Kirk] to say that the bank should have known that Tony Rezko’s company, or that Tony Rezko would have this certain thing 5 or 6 years later, it’s a tough argument for him to make.” – Alexi Giannoulias, Chicago Tribune Editorial Board, March 3, 2010
Chicago Sun-Times reveals Broadway Bank loaned Tony Rezko $22.75 million in 2006, when “Rezko was already politically radioactive”
Background: The Chicago Sun-Times reported today that Broadway Bank loaned $22.75 million to a company partially owned by Tony Rezko in February of 2006, well after Rezko’s corrupt dealings and connections to former Governor Rod Blagojevich were exposed by the media. Alexi Giannoulias was Vice President and Senior Loan Officer of Broadway Bank at the time of the loan and received a $41,000 salary for 2006.
Previous Giannoulias Statement: Alexi Giannoulias has excused Broadway Bank’s loans to Tony Rezko by claiming that the loans were made before Tony Rezko’s crimes were known. On March 3, 2010, Giannoulias told the Chicago Tribune: “For [Mark Kirk] to say that the bank should have known that Tony Rezko’s company, or that Tony Rezko would have this certain thing 5 or 6 years later, it’s a tough argument for him to make.”
Giannoulias Misled Voters on Rezko: Giannoulias made his March 3, 2010 statement despite Broadway Bank’s 2006 loan to Rezko – well after Rezko’s corruption was known. On February 14, 2006, when the loan papers were signed, Tony Rezko’s name had appeared in news accounts nearly 200 times in the previous year, according to Lexis Nexis. By that point, anyone in Chicago with a newspaper subscription knew about Tony Rezko’s corruption.
Giannoulias and Broadway Bank in 2006: Despite Giannoulias’ campaign statement today that “Alexi left daily operation of the bank in September of 2005,” the Chicago Tribune reported that Alexi Giannoulias received a $41,000 salary from Broadway Bank in 2006. On December 20, 2005, the State Journal-Register reported that “Giannoulias noted that he currently serves as vice president and senior loan officer at the four-branch Broadway Bank in Chicago.”
Broadway’s Prior Loans to Rezko: According to an October 13, 2006 report by Chicago Sun-Times, Broadway Bank loaned Tony Rezko $1 million in September 2002. The Chicago Tribune reported that Broadway Bank also loaned $10.9 million to a Rezko-owned company in January 2002. Today’s Sun-Times report brings Broadway Bank’s total loans to Tony Rezko to roughly $34.7 million between 2002 and 2006.
Other Giannoulias-Rezko Ties: Tony Rezko used his influence with Rod Blagojevich to help Alexi Giannoulias’ brother, Demetris. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, Rezko was listed on a Blagojevich “clout list” as Demetris Giannoulias’ sponsor for an appointment to the Illinois Finance Authority.
Broadway Bank Should Have Known about Auchi: According to the Sun-Times, Rezko’s business partner in the real estate venture was Iraqi billionaire Nadhmi Auchi. In 2008, the Sun-Times reportedAuchi was convicted in France in 2003 on charges of fraud and was barred from entering the United States.
###
More analysis on this from Illinois Review and Backyard Conservative.
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