Lobbying group fined for McCormick bid scheme Politically connected Ronan Potts also must forfeit $67,000

A politically connected lobbying firm run by a former statelawmaker was hit with a $350,000 fine Tuesday and ordered toimmediately forfeit another $67,000 after admitting to a bid-riggingscheme involving McCormick Place convention center.

Ronan Potts L.L.C. is run by former state representative Al Ronanand John Potts. Neither is charged in any wrongdoing.

The firm -- a contributor to political campaigns including $12,900of cash and in-kind contributions to Gov. Blagojevich, pleaded guiltyin September to taking part in a scheme to rig a consulting contractawarded in 2001 to oversee an $800 million expansion at McCormickPlace.

Employee cooperating

Federal …