October 2006: Dec. 9, 2008: Blagojevich is arrested in June 2009: Patti Blagojevich Aug. 17: Jury THE RISE & FALL OF Major Blagojevich by federal agents on corrup- eats a tarantula on the finds Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin tion charges. He’s accused, among show “I’m a Celebrity, guilty of lying “Tony” Rezko other things, of trying to “sell” the Get Me Out of Here” to federal ROD is arrested. He U.S. Senate seat vacated by President in a money-making agents, but would later be . effort for the family. deadlocked on BLAGOJEVICH November 2002: Blagojevich found guilty. remaining wins his campaign for governor Dec. 15, 2008: April 15, 2009: 23 counts. after running against then- A House Blagojevich Dec. 10, 1956: Blagojevich Attorney General . He committee begins pleads not guilty announce plans is born in Chicago. took 52 percent of the vote. its work weighing to the charges. July 28: The to retry the case. whether Blagoje- jury begins 2000 2005 vich should be 2010 deliberations. impeached.

January 2005: March 2002: Jan. 29, 2009: Blagojevich is oust- 1992: 1996: Blagojevich’s father-in- Blagojevich ed from office, convicted in his Blagojevich Blagojevich law, Chicago alderman wins impeachment trial in the Illinois is elected to wins a term Dick Mell, said the gover- June 8: Opening a three-way Senate. The vote is unanimous. the Illinois in Congress, nor traded campaign March 2, statements begin in Democratic becomes governor. House from representing contributions for spots 2009: Blagojevich’s federal primary for Chicago. Illinois’ 5th on boards and commis- Blagojevich corruption trial. His governor, district. sions. Mell would later is formally attorneys promise taking 36 indicted he’ll testify. But the recant those comments, November 2006: March: Blagojevich appears on percent of the on federal former governor but they sparked the Blagojevich wins a NBC’s “Celebrity Apprentice.” vote and edging corruption will eventually interest of investigators second term, defeating He makes it through several and charges. decide not to take into the governor’s former state Treasurer eliminations, but doesn’t win. . administration. . the stand.

Information compiled by: H&R Springfield Bureau H&R graphic: Jean Zerfowski