Did Roland Burris's Business Partner Help Patti Blagojevich Land Her Latest Job?

Did Roland Burris's business partner, Fred Lebed, have anything to do with Patti Blagojevich landing a full-time job as development director of the Chicago Christian Industrial League?

Lebed, who served on Gov. Rod Blagojevich's transition team, also serves on CCIL's Board of Directors.

The question was raised on Sunday night by political pundit Bruce Dumont on his XM Satellite radio show "Beyond the Beltway." I was a guest, along with writer Salim Muwakkil and Judy Baar Topinka, the former state treasurer who ran against Blagojevich for governor.

When Patti Blagojevich, for the time being, at least, the first lady of Illinois, found her real estate activities scrutinized by the feds--some political insiders expected Patti to be indicted before Rod--she switched careers to the nonprofit CCIL which helps the poor and homeless.

Since 2002, Roland Burris, who will likely soon be the junior senator from Illinois unless something oozes up to taint his reputation, has been partners with Lebed in Burris & Lebed Consulting, LLC. Their website notes that both are registered lobbyists and that "their vast network of relationships are unmatched and stretch within every corner of Illinois and many of the major metropolitan areas in the country.

The website also boasts: "Burris & Lebed Consulting represents numerous clients in front of the Chicago City Council, Cook County Board of Commissioners, suburban local governments, other governmental units across Illinois, Illinois General Assembly, the Governor's Office and other local elected and appointed officials. "

Could the Lebed/CCIL/Patti Blagojevich connection provide Senators Harry Reid and Dick Durbin with the ammunition they need to keep the man whose tombstone trumpets himself as a "Trail Blazer," from joining their club?

Comments

[Carol Felsenthal - Huffpost Blogger]

I received this from, Eugene Kennedy, a friend and fellow writer in Chicago. He could not log on--he's hte 4th person i heard from today who couldn't post a comment--and he gave me permission to share his response to this Burris blog:

I must tell you of the time Saul Bellow and I visited Burris as part of our wonderful ramblings around town. Burris opened by saying, "I am not used to having men of your statue in my office." I thought of that the other night when I heard him refer (on WGN) to Pat Quinn as a "gladfly." You really can't make this stuff up. Hope all goes well.
Gene Kennedy

[easarsfield]

--By most accounts, Quinn hasn't even spoken to Blagojevich — with whom he was twice elected, in 2002 and 2006 — in more than a year. At one point, as Quinn was pressing the governor over taxes and electricity rates, Blagojevich said Quinn was no longer a part of his administration. "Quinn is known as a gadfly," Blagojevich told a radio station last year. "That's one of his charming qualities.­" --

http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1866690,00.html

Funny how they both use the same odd adjectives to describe Quinn. Sounds like someone has been coached.

[easarsfield]

I firmly believe that the senate owes it to the residents of IL to investigate this appointment before they seat Burris, especially when stories like this come to light. I am going to be extremely disappointed if they cave in tomorrow.

[glorysong]

I agree with you. maybe there is more to Burris than we know.

[John8701]

You are so right! Go to www.wewantavote.org to help fight this appointment.

[americanboi]

Oh Carol, this is what a lack of journalistic integrity gets you. You are creating a story dear.

[Carol Felsenthal - Huffpost Blogger]

This worth reading, emailed to me this morning from the great-grandson of the founder of the Chicago Christian Industrial League:

I write to you not only because I am stuck by the inappropriateness of the hiring on so many levels but also as the great-grandson of the founder of the CCIL, George Kilbey. While I have not been even remotely involved in support of the League, I have nontheless looked upon the result of the good works of an ancester with pride. My initial reaction to the hiring was that these self-serving few had so sullied the good works and reputation of CCIL that little could be done to rectify the situation. I now think that if the cancer is cut out perhaps the CCIL can return to its rightful place as a leading social service agency. This is the centennial year of the League. Perhaps, in celebration of that fact, the Development Director and the Board could resign (with much fanfare!)and allow the many dedicated, hardworking members of the staff to continue the very needed work of the CCIL. Again, thank you for your work...as a son of Illinois and a citizen of Louisiana, I certainly know the value of a free and aggressive press.

[apoyo]

Are headlines supposed to be questions? Because that seems a prologue to gossip.

Facts come in statements. The declarative type.

[RapidRay]

Chicago
Chicago
I just want to say.
They do things they don't do on Broadway.


Welcome back, it's been desolate without you.

[Figerre]

So Burris isn't as squeaky clean as he would have us all believe? He may be able to be a part of the Pay-to-Play gang as well, hm? Velly intellesting!

[yezbats33]

Figerre,
Yep. Chicago politics. And if you think Obama had nothing to do with any of these people( all I said was "to do," nothing derogatory) t hen you and the other blinker wearers on this forum believe in the Easter Bunny.
He is not beyond getting egg on his face.
Give him time. The press is preparing their game plan.
Stay tuned.
Chicago Politics. Whew!