GTECH lobbyist had key role in Illinois governor corruption probe
4:59 PM Tue, Dec 09, 2008 | Permalink
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By Steve Peoples A key informant in the federal corruption case against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is a paid lobbyist for the Providence-based GTECH Corporation. John Wyma, a longtime friend and former congressional chief of staff to Blagojevich, cooperated with federal investigators, leading to recordings of the Illinois governor that preceded the governor's arrest today, according to the Chicago Tribune. Wyma started a lobbying practice in recent years, representing scores of major corporations that did business with the state of Illinois. One of them is GTECH, the international lottery giant. GTECH secured a no-bid contract extension from the Illinois state lottery worth a projected $70 million through October 2010, according to a company announcement issued in October. Wyma has served as a lobbyist for GTECH since January 2006, according to the Illinois secretary of state's office. He has not been charged with any crime in relation to Blagojevich's arrest. He is not listed as a lobbyist for GTECH in Rhode Island. GTECH did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 
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