A Primer: The Tony Rezko Trial

In anticipation of the Tony Rezko trial, the Chicago Sun-Times provides a primer.

Seven things to know about the trial:

1. Who is Tony Rezko?

He's a Syrian-born businessman who made millions of dollars in real estate, fast-food chains and overseas ventures. Rezko's prowess as a political fund-raiser bought him political access and influence within the Blagojevich administration, prosecutors charge. Rezko, who was once a top Blagojevich adviser, is accused of demanding illegal payments from firms trying to do business with the state and directing that money to himself or to political designees. Rezko also served as an Obama fund-raiser, and Obama entered into a land deal with Rezko in 2005. Obama later called the move "boneheaded" because Rezko was widely known to be under federal scrutiny at the time.

2. Hottest trial in town: If you want a seat, come early.

3. Rezko cleaned-up

4. Picking jurors

5. Gov B is Public Official A

There will be no more "Public Official A," or "Individual B," etc. In contrast to how names were disguised in reams of court documents, the cards will be out on the table at trial. That isn't good news for Gov. Blagojevich, who St. Eve recently confirmed is the "Public Official A" referred to in prosecution filings. The government alleged in December that two witnesses are expected to testify Blagojevich told them supporting his administration would bring financial rewards. Blagojevich allegedly said "he could award contracts, legal work, and investment banking to help with fund-raising," according to a filing in which prosecutors laid out expected trial testimony. Prosecutors have not accused Blagojevich of wrongdoing. Last week, Blagojevich defended himself, saying: "What was described there doesn't describe me or how I do things."

6. 'Teflon' Obama

That same court filing makes reference to presidential contender U.S. Sen. Barack Obama. While Obama's involvement in the case will be minimal compared with the governor's, the prospect of his name being mentioned isn't a headache Obama needs -- especially on the eve of major primaries in Ohio and Texas on Tuesday. Prosecutors charge Rezko directed $10,000 from a kickback scheme into Obama's campaign fund. Obama isn't accused of wrongdoing, and he has since given that money to charity. An Obama reference at trial could be harmful to the defense, strategist Lisnek predicts: "If it comes in that Rezko was trying to take advantage of Obama -- that may not play well with a jury. "Obama's very positive. He's almost like Teflon right now. It could hurt the defense if jurors believe Rezko tried to sully his name and use him."

Not so with Blagojevich, Lisnek said: "Blagojevich has been so muddied."

7. It's all about Levine
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8 things you need to know about Obama and Rezko