“Quid pro quo – that’s the name of the game for J.B. Pritzker and Rod Blagojevich. Since 1996, Pritzker bankrolled Blagojevich’s political campaigns. In return, Blagojevich propped up Pritzker’s failed campaigns and gave him insider access to state government. Illinoisans should be worried about what Pritzker will do if he’s allowed to buy the governor’s office just like he bought influence with Blagojevich.“ – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Aaron DeGroot

Yesterday in yet another bombshell Tribune report on J.B. Pritzker’s close ties to disgraced former Governor Rod Blagojevich, it was revealed that Pritzker and Blagojevich traded campaign cash for state grants.

But Pritzker and Blagojevich are no strangers to helping each other out.

Since 1996, Pritzker bankrolled Blagojevich’s political interests, and in return, Blagojevich and Chicago ward bosses propped up Pritzker’s failed plans to run for office.

While Blagojevich may have failed to elect Pritzker, Pritzker still held up his end of the bargain. Pritzker and his family contributed over $160,000 to Rod Blagojevich’s campaigns.

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

J.B. Pritzker fundraised for Rod Blagojevich’s campaign for the U.S. House, working alongside “North Side political boss” Dick Mell, Blagojevich’s father-in-law. The Chicago Sun-Times reporter visited Blagojevich’s campaign office and reported that J.B. worked there.

“I’m J. B. Pritzker; I help with fund-raising,” said the man in a dark green suit.

(Chicago Sun-Times, In Mell’s World, It’s Politics as Usual, Jorge Oclander, March 23, 1996)

From Crain’s Chicago Business:

Fresh from installing one junior congressman-son-in-law Rod Blagojevich-Alderman Richard Mell (33rd) apparently has his eye on another: J. B. Pritzker, 32, who wants Rep. Sidney Yates’ lakefront seat. Mr. Mell says any behind-the-scenes role won’t be official until Mr. Pritzker’s ’98 campaign is official. The Pritzker family scion, who aborted a challenge to Mr. Yates, 87, two years ago, raised money for Mr. Blagojevich’s ’96 race. Demurring about Mr. Mell’s future role, Mr. Pritzker, right, says, “I know Rod is going to be very helpful.”

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

Sneed hears Pritzker would help fund the gubernatorial race of Mell’s son-in-law, Rep. Rod Blagojevich (D-Ill.) and Mell, in turn, would throw his weight behind Pritzker for his son-in-law’s North Side congressional seat.

There is no doubt that Pritzker’s and Blagojevich’s ties run deep.

And let’s not forget when the Chicago Tribune published their first bombshell report on Pritzker’s close ties to Blagojevich this past May.

FBI wiretaps revealed Pritzker schemed with Blagojevich to be appointed Illinois Treasurer. In the same call, Blagojevich pressed Pritzker for campaign contributions. Pritzker brushed off the FBI wiretaps by saying his calls with Blagojevich were an attempt at “public service“.

Illinoisans should be worried about what Pritzker will do if he’s allowed to buy the governor’s office just like he bought influence with Blagojevich.