CHICAGO, September 16, 2009 — Ousted Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich attended the funeral of his former top fundraiser and advisor, Christopher Kelly, in Western Springs, Illinois, today. The service, held at St. John of the Cross Church, comes just days after Kelly’s death by apparent suicide and amidst Blagojevich’s own ongoing federal corruption trial.
Kelly’s Death and Blagojevich’s Trial
Kelly, a key figure in the Blagojevich fundraising operation, was facing his own legal troubles, including charges of tax fraud and bid-rigging. He was scheduled to begin serving a prison sentence just days after his death on September 12th. The circumstances surrounding his death, while officially ruled a suicide by drug overdose, continue to fuel speculation, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding Blagojevich scandal.
Caption: Rod Blagojevich and his daughter Amy at the funeral of Christopher Kelly. (Getty Images)
A Complicated Relationship Under Scrutiny
Kelly’s relationship with Blagojevich extended beyond their professional roles. They shared a close bond, rooted in similar backgrounds and a perceived outsider status within the Illinois political establishment. Kelly’s fundraising prowess was crucial to Blagojevich’s political success, reportedly raising over $30 million for his campaigns. However, this close alliance became entangled in the federal corruption investigation, with both men facing serious charges.
Kelly’s sudden death has raised questions about its potential impact on Blagojevich’s trial. Some legal experts suggest that Kelly’s testimony could have been pivotal to the prosecution’s case, while others argue his absence may not significantly alter the legal proceedings. The full extent of Kelly’s knowledge of the alleged corruption schemes may never be known.
Blagojevich, accompanied by his wife, Patti, and daughters, Amy and Annie, remained silent during the funeral service. Their presence, however, drew considerable media attention, further highlighting the intertwined personal and political ramifications of Kelly’s death and the ongoing scandal. Blagojevich’s attendance has been interpreted in various ways. Some view it as a genuine gesture of mourning for a close friend, while others see it as a calculated public appearance amidst his own legal troubles.
A Funeral Amidst a Firestorm
The funeral took place as Blagojevich awaits his own trial on charges that include attempting to sell Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat. The timing of Kelly’s death added to the already intense pressure on Blagojevich and his family. Their attendance at the funeral, captured in photographs by Getty Images, offered a stark visual of the human drama unfolding amid the political firestorm. The image of Blagojevich, hand-in-hand with his daughter Amy, resonated with many, showcasing the personal toll of the scandal.
The Blagojevich scandal continues to grip Illinois, with Kelly’s death serving as a grim reminder of the high stakes involved. The former governor’s legal battles are far from over, and the long-term implications of this complex saga remain to be seen. This story is still developing, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
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