Who is Christopher G. Kelly?
Kelly, 49 of Burr Ridge, is a roofing contractor turned key consultant and top fundraiser for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, donating hundreds of thousands of dollars to his campaigns.
How he's benefited:
• Kelly's sister got a $92,000 state job overseeing real estate regulation despite limited experience.
• At the governor's request became involved in stalled negotiations over a Rosemont casino. A state gaming board member once said Kelly implied they'd be replaced if they didn't do as the governor wished.
• Investor in restaurants with fellow Blagojevich insider Tony Rezko, who's also been indicted. Kelly, Rezko and their business associates got to put Subway and Panda Express restaurants at new tollway oases.
• Blagojevich's father-in-law, Chicago Alderman Dick Mell, once said Kelly was trading state appointments for $50,000 in campaign contributions only to later recant the allegation. However, the claim prompted investigations.
• His picks were all hired for state racing board chairman and executive directors of tollway, transportation department and the state agency overseeing McCormick Place and Navy Pier.
Source: Daily Herald reports, media accounts, federal disclosure forms, state records.