Rezko owns vacant lot next to Obama's home

Chicago Tribune ^ | November 1, 2006 | Ray Gibson and David Jackson

[Positive]

When Sen. Barack Obama decided to buy a stately $1.65 million home last year on Chicago's South Side, Antoin "Tony" Rezko and his wife wasted no time. The same day the Obamas closed on the house, the Rezkos closed on the purchase of the adjoining vacant lot, which once was the estate's lush side yard.

[Positive]

Don't know if exerpt is required but just in case...

Remember who this paper is...the Sun article isn't showing this morning...

This article gets richer as one reads more...

[Always Right]

Well, it matches the vacant lot in Obama’s head.

[jpl]

I’m still waiting for someone in the press to focus on the fact that Obama’s bagman Rezko was well connected with Saddam Hussein’s bagman Nadhmi Auchi, the primary oil-for-food money launderer.

[Red Badger]

Nothing to see here, folks, move along...........

[KingSnorky]

I never realized that being a community activist and a state senator paid so well. :)

[tioga]

Empty suit, vacant lot.......I am sensing a theme here.

[massgopguy]

Explaining why Barack opposed the invasion.

[Positive]

"Rezko was well connected with Saddam Hussein’s bagman Nadhmi Auchi..."

I'm old and out of touch...but wasn't there once an axiom that read..."A man is known by the company he keeps"?

[Always Right]

The Obamas bought the house in June 2005 for $1.65 million--some $300,000 less than the asking price--and secured a $1.32 million mortgage from Northern Trust. Rezko's wife, Rita, bought the adjoining lot the same day, paying the full $625,000

So a neophyte home owner negotiates 20% off the asking price during a hot real estate market where homes are typically selling for 97%+ of asking price, and the savvy real estate investor negotiates a deal for FULL price. Nothing to see here.

[Positive]

Curiouser and curiouser....

But would the Lame Stream Media feel so?

[willieroe]

...the Sun article isn't showing this morning

Not sure what you mean here....

[twigs]

Michelle makes a lot of money.

[Joe 6-pack]

"I'm old and out of touch...but wasn't there once an axiom that read..."A man is known by the company he keeps"?"

I think there's also something about dogs of a feather laying down together with flocking birds and getting up with fleas...;-)

[Always Right]

But Obama said he pays his landscaper to mow Rezko's 7,500-square-foot yard.

So he only got .17 acres for $625K???? That's expensive real estate.

[Beagle8U]

It reads to me as Rezko giving Osama Obama a 300k kickback.

[Red_Devil 232]

Community Activist is the ground level entry position that leads to becoming a Shake Down Artist.

[Always Right]

It reads to me as Rezko giving Osama Obama a 300k kickback.

Money laundering, bribery, kickback...all sorts of interesting possibilities.

[ncfool]

Will Tony sing to save his Bacon...............

[Dixie Yooper]

This lot could end up next to the Midwest White House...

[A message]

Using a standard formula, Obama's appraiser estimated the 1,500-square-foot portion at a market value of $40,500.

But Obama felt it would be fair to pay the Rezkos $104,500,

Obambi is just a swell guy. What's 60k among thieves and corrupt politicians.