Probe Clouds Star Turn For Auto Negotiator Rattner

Cuomo criticized the film deal as an example of inappropriate back-scratching, but he has voiced no interest in filing criminal charges against either Rattner, or executives at other firms who sank money into the film. Those other investors included an officer private equity firm Riverstone Holdings who put $100,000 into the movie at a time his fund was lobbying for $350 million in pension fund business.

The Securities and Exchange Commission said in a court filing said the "Chooch" deal created a "conflict of interest," but has also refrained so far from taking action against Quadrangle.

The White House has expressed support for Rattner and Capitol Hill players in the auto negotiations say the scandal doesn't appear to have distracted him.

"If it has, I haven't seen it," said Sen. Carl Levin, a Michigan Democrat.

It was Rattner who delivered the news to former GM Chief Executive Rick Wagoner that Obama wanted him out. Along with Bloom, he has run the day-to-day talks in the auto bailout, striking deals with players including the powerful United Auto Workers union, disgruntled car company bondholders and prospective foreign buyers like Fiat.