Prosecutors delay Rezko sentencing

Federal prosecutors in Chicago moved to delay indefinitely the sentencing of Antoin “Tony” Rezko, who was convicted in June of mail fraud, wire fraud, attempted extortion and money laundering. The request indicates that he could be cooperating.

Speculation has simmered for weeks that the key fundraiser for Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich and Sen. Barack Obama is telling prosecutors what he knows about corruption in state government in hopes of getting a lighter sentence. Some of the crimes carry 20-year sentences.

Rezko raised more than $1 million for Blagojevich’s campaign fund and was one of the governor’s key advisors. The governor has not been charged with wrongdoing.

Rezko also raised funds for Obama’s past campaigns in Illinois -- but none for his presidential run. Obama’s campaign says it has sent to charity $159,000 traceable to Rezko’s past fundraising. Obama has not been accused of wrongdoing.