... and now for some bracketeering Illinois vs. Louisiana smackdown

Thomas Oliver Illinois residents have been covering their eyes and shaking their heads over Arenda Troutman Former New Orleans Former Chicago City Council president the antics of Rod Blagojevich. But for bringing disgrace to a state, Louisiana alderman

louisiana politicians have long been unrivaled. In the spirit of March Madness, we put some illinois of our lesser lights up against theirs. Pretty it’s not.

Oliver took bribes from a local In the upset of the businessman who wanted bracket, Troutman a city contract for a parking wins by virtue of her garage. A parking garage? Blagojevich Troutman conviction on charges Blago is accused of trying to of taking bribes from sell Barack Obama’s Senate illinois illinois developers. Long? An seat. icon of corruption to Blagojevich Edwards many, yes. Convicted, no. illinois louisiana Though neither has illinois gone on trial, the feds Troutman was louisiana have both on tape tearfully contrite when Rod Blagojevich saying things that sentenced to four years Huey Long Former Illinois governor Former governor, won’t sound so good in prison. But Edwards U.S. senator in court. But only Blago is the rare politician who can was defiant even headed Blago utters the now challenge Edwards for what we will to the pen facing 10 immortal line, “I’ve politely call a “colorful” personality. years. “I will be a model got this thing, and it’s But convictions on 17 federal counts prisoner, as I have been [bleeping] golden.” Dan Rostenkowski put Edwards over the top. That and his a model citizen.” George Ryan Former U.S. representative famous line about being unbeatable the Former governor day before an election: “The only way I illinois can lose this election is if I’m caught in illinois bed with either a dead girl or a live boy.”

Rosty went to prison for Ryan profited from the mail fraud, but the feds s sale of government never found $90,000 in ard licenses and contracts. But cash stored in his freezer, Jefferson Edw Edwards Edwards went to prison for as happened to Jefferson. longer and piled up more louisiana wins! Despite that evidence and louisiana convictions for racketeering, incriminating FBI wiretaps, extortion, money laundering, Jefferson maintains and wire and mail fraud. innocence.

louisiana louisiana William Jefferson Edwin Edwards Former U.S. representative Former governor

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