Rezko the man on hiring, filings say

Gubernatorial fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko had so much influence with the state of Illinois, state hiring officials not only took his advice on who to employ, but they came to his office to get it, a new federal government filing alleges.

In Rezko's upcoming trial, federal prosecutors plan to call Jennifer Thomas, an assistant to Joseph Cini, "who was the point person for hiring within a number of state agencies," said the government.

"Thomas will testify that from approximately late March or early April 2003 through November 2003, she and Cini attended regular meetings at Rezko's office where Rezko provided names and information on candidates not only for state agency jobs but also vacancies on boards and commissions," the government wrote.

In addition, Rezko received regular updates from Cini and Thomas as to the status of his recommendations in the hiring chain, the notes allege.

In the same document, prosecutors lay out their case for talking about Rezko's prodigious fundraising for Gov. Rod Blagojevich, drawing an inference of improper influence because of that fund-raising. Rezko's attorneys had objected to the admission of evidence of both categories, arguing fundraising is not illegal. But Monday, U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve allowed both and ordered the unsealing of the documents released Tuesday.

But one topic St. Eve wouldn't allow into the trial is the convoluted diversions of funds received by powerbroker and Republican National Committeeman Robert Kjellander from a state bond deal. Kjellander received roughly $800,000 as a commission. Prosecutors say he then gave $600,000 of it to Rezko crony Joseph Aramanda, who then distributed $450,000 of it to four people, many of whom gave much of the money back to Rezko.

St. Eve said the topic would be an unnecessary diversion that would itself become a "mini-trial."

"Out of respect for the judicial process, we won't comment on any matters pending before the court," said Abby Ottenhoff, Gov. Blagojevich's spokeswoman, in a written response to Tuesday's developments. "I can reiterate what we've said before: We received recommendations from dozens of people, including members of the United States Congress, local elected officials, members of the Illinois General Assembly, judges, supporters and others -- from both political parties. We made hiring decisions based on who we thought was right for the particular positions."

Rezko is charged with using his position of influence to sell positions on state boards and demand kickbacks from businesses seeking contracts with the state. Jury selection begins Monday and opening arguments are expected as early as March 6.