The Wright Times

Issue date: 2/1/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Laura Carpenter Governor Blagojevich speaks about senior prescription drug programs.

Illinois, known for many things including gangsters and cold winters, once again holds the distinction of employing a corrupt Governor. The State now counts five Governors charged with criminal wrong doing starting back in 1929.
At a press conference, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, charged with trying to sell the U.S. Senate seat held by President Barack Obama, said he would not take part in an impeachment trial to remove him from office. He said the State Senate acted unfairly and violated his Constitutional rights, after they decided to bar him from calling witnesses in his defense.
Wright College book store employee Yadia Chaves said, "I'm thinking that they should first look at all the evidence to decide if he's guilty or not. It does embarrass Illinois, because it was bad what they think he did. I think that we have to watch what happens and then decide what to do."
After being impeached on Jan. 9, by the Illinois House of Representatives for what they called 'abuses of power,' the matter now sit in the Senate. The two-term Democrat could no longer hold the office if impeached by both.
"I don't think what he did was correct and I don't think 'pay-for-play' was appropriate, but I think they could have convicted him on better terms then they did," Wright student Stephanie Valko said. "It's embarrissing. Everyone's laughing at us."
Blagojevich now joins Republican - Governor Lennington Small - who held the office from 1921 to 1929 and was indicted for embezzlement, for inconsistencies related to his former job as State Treasurer. According to the Wall Street Journal, although acquitted some believe jurors for the case ended up with state jobs in exchange for not guilty votes.
In 1973, a Democrat - Governor Otto Kerner - was charged and convicted on 17 counts of bribery, perjury and conspiracy, among other things. Later he spent three years in jail.
In 1987 another Democrat - Governor Dan Walker - was charged and convicted of bank fraud long after he held the top office in Illinois. He served the people from 1973 to 1977.
Finally, Republican George Ryan, convicted of racketeering and fraud, some related to the 'License-for-Bribes' scandal, must reside in federal prison for a total of six and one-half years.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools