Senator testifies before clout commission

July 29, 2009 (CHICAGO) The Chicago lawmaker says in 2005 his office made inquiries into the applications of five students.

He says all were going to school in New Orleans and were looking for Universities in Illinois where they could continue their education after Hurricane Katrina hit.

Senator Raoul told commissioners they should individually consider the cases of each lawmaker and trustee who allegedly pushed for the admission of politically connected students.

"I ask that you not use a broad brush to characterized them all," Raoul said.

The senator stressed that he does not condone inquiries that pushed the university to accept unqualified students.

The committee plans to make its recommendations to the governor by next week.

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