If the slumping economy and ever increasing layoffs weren’t enough for you to realize the dismal state of this country, then the federal corruption charges filed against Democratic Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich should be.
Blagojevich along with his Chief of Staff John Harris were arrested on charges that the governor tried to sell, trade, or “auction” off the U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. The financial benefits would go to Blagojevich and his wife Patti — either in terms of money or jobs.
Authorities said both Blagojevich and Harris were charged with a count of conspiracy and mail and wire fraud, as well as a count of solicitation of bribery. Blagojevich was released Tuesday on $4,500 bail.
What was revealed
Several incriminating things were revealed through the government’s bugging of Blagojevich’s campaign office and tap on his home phone. Here’s a quick breakdown:
• Blagojevich may have used his position as governor to appoint himself to the Senate seat, a position he felt would give him access to more resources and help him to possibly run for president in 2016.
• The governor discussed obtaining a salary for himself at an organization connected to labor unions as well as placing his wife on corporate boards where she may make as much as $150,000 a year.
• Certain state assistance would be withheld from the Chicago Tribune, unless the newspaper’s editorial board was fired.
• Blagojevich and Harris schemed with key people to obtain financial benefits for the governor, his family and his campaign, Friends of Blagojevich.
• Authorities also said Blagojevich was looking to take $8 million in funding for a children’s hospital after the hospital’s CEO failed to make a $50,000 contribution.
How this gets messy
While Blagojevich’s acts alone are bad, things really get complicated because as the current governor he has the ability to assign the person to fill Obama’s seat. Democrats worry that if Blagojevich selects someone (even someone legit) that person will be defeated by a Republican simply because of the negativity of the situation. Blagojevich still retains the right to fill the Senate seat despite the current charges. The only way this won’t happen is if he quits, is removed, or impeached.
Nothing new for Illinois politics
Unfortunately, Blagojevich’s corrupt ways are nothing new for Illinois politics. Blagojevich previously worked for an alderman who recently pled guilty to federal charges. In addition, Blagojevich’s predecessor, Republican Gov. George Ryan was convicted of racketeering and fraud charges in 2006. He’s currently serving a 6 ½ -year sentence in a prison in Wisconsin.
Former Chicago Mayor Richard Daley Sr. was known for his fierce temper and “dictatorship” style. Fortunately, current Mayor Richard Daley Jr. is trying hard to step out of his father’s shadows by actually working for the good of Chicago.
The one good thing
While Blagojevich’s actions are incredibly distasteful and certainly place the state of Illinois in an unfavorable position right now, there is one good thing about this entire criminal corruption case: Barack Obama is not directly involved.
I breathed a tremendous sigh of relief when I learned that Obama had no part in Blagojevich’s scheme. It’s incredibly refreshing to know that the nation’s first Black president’s state career ascended to the degree that it did by the good ol’ fashioned way: hard work and tenacity.
