Could Blagojevich's Legal Issues Impact Chicago's 2016 Bid?

Blagojevich's Pledge Of $150M In Funds Could Be In Jeopardy

DELAY OF GAMES: Carrion yesterday said that the IOC is "prepared to postpone the bidding on lucrative U.S. broadcast rights until after next year's selection of the 2016 host city due to the economic downturn." Carrion: "In this economic climate, I don't see us moving forward quickly because all the prognostications we are seeing are that advertising will be down. I doubt very much this is a good time to begin talking" (AP, 12/10).

FEELING INSECURE: In London, Paul Kelso reports British Olympic Association advisor John Patten "has warned that inadequate security procedures have left London 2012 venues vulnerable to terrorist attack." Patten, in an article in the latest edition of The Spectator magazine, said that the Olympic Park site in east London is "already vulnerable to terrorists who could plant smart bombs in the foundations of venues currently under construction." Patten "claims that well-placed sources have told him the Olympic project is suffering from a lack of security planning." Patten also "suggests that the key agencies involved in organising security are bickering over who takes the lead role, undermining confidence in the entire project" (London TELEGRAPH, 12/11). Meanwhile, the BBC reported the IOC "wants London 2012 Olympic Games organisers to have finalised the venues for all sports by March next year." Badminton, rhythmic gymnastics and shooting venues are "still to be decided as organisers try to keep construction costs low amid the financial crisis." Olympic Games Exec Dir Gilbert Felli: "Can we use an existing venue to save the construction of a temporary one? That is a discussion we have with organisers" (BBC.co.uk, 12/10).

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