Illinois Vs. Louisiana Smackdown

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

... 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 Images from Tribune, AP, Getty and Reuters tribune.

Copy Link

Recommended publications

The Simon Review
Simon Review Paper #17 • February 2010 The Simon Review Ethical Reforms, the Budget Crisis, and Perceptions of Quality of Life in Illinois: Results and Analysis of The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute 2009 Statewide Poll By: Charles W. Leonard Visiting Professor A Publication of The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Southern Illinois University Carbondale Paper #17 Simon Review Paper #17 • February 2010 Table of Contents Introduction 1 Section One: Issue Analysis A. Direction of Nation, State, and Area 2 B. Political and Electoral Reforms 3 C. Value of Services for Taxes Paid and Share of State Spending 4 D. Quality of Life Indicators 5 E. Addressing the State Budget Deficit 5 F. Positions on Social Issues 7 Section Two: Item Analysis A. State of the Country and Quality of Life 10 B. Political and Electoral Reforms 12 C. Approval of Public Officials 16 D. Value of Services for Taxes Paid 22 E. Quality of Life Indicators 24 F. Addressing the State Budget 27 G. Position on Social Issues 33 Summary and Conclusions 36 Appendix: Questionnaire and Results 38 Simon Review Paper #17 • February 2010 Introduction The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale conducted its second annual statewide public opinion survey in the fall of 2009. As in the inaugural survey in 2008, the Institute asked Illinoisans about their quality of life and about ways to deal with the state’s crippling budget deficits—whether cutting government spending or enhancing revenues. We also asked their opinions on a number of political and electoral reform ideas that had been well publicized over the summer of 2009 by the Illinois Reform Commission, appointed by Gov.
[Show full text]
The 2014 Illinois Governor Race: Quinn Vs Rauner John S
Southern Illinois University Carbondale OpenSIUC The imonS Review (Occasional Papers of the Paul Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Simon Public Policy Institute) 1-2015 The 2014 Illinois Governor Race: Quinn vs Rauner John S. Jackson Southern Illinois University Carbondale, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ppi_papers Paper #40 of the Simon Review Recommended Citation Jackson, John S., "The 2014 Illinois Governor Race: Quinn vs Rauner" (2015). The Simon Review (Occasional Papers of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute). Paper 40. http://opensiuc.lib.siu.edu/ppi_papers/40 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at OpenSIUC. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Simon Review (Occasional Papers of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute) by an authorized administrator of OpenSIUC. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The Simon Review The 2014 Illinois Governor Race: Quinn vs. Rauner By: John S. Jackson Paper #40 January 2015 A Publication of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute Southern Illinois University Carbondale Author’s Note: I want to thank Cary Day, Jacob Trammel and Roy E. Miller for their valuable assistance on this project. THE SIMON REVIEW The Simon Review papers are occasional nonacademic papers of the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale that examine and explore public policy issues within the scope of the Institute’s mission and in the tradition of the University. The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute acts on significant and controversial issues impacting the region, the state, the nation, and the world.
[Show full text]
2006 Annual Report
Rod R. Blagojevich Milton R. Sees Governor Acting Secretary 2006 ANNUAL REPORT OUR MISSION CONTENTS We provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois in ways that enhance quality of life, promote economic prosperity, and demonstrate Governor’s Letter . 1 respect for our environment. Secretary’s Letter . 2 OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES We will accomplish our mission while making the following principles Introduction . 3 the hallmark of all our work: Safety • Integrity • Responsiveness • Quality • Innovation Executive Summary . 4 IDOT Inside . 5 OUR VISION The Illinois Department of Transportation will be recognized as the Aeronautics. 8 premier state department of transportation in the nation. Traffic Safety. 9 QUALITY POLICY Planning & Programming . 12 IDOT will consistently provide safe, cost-effective transportation for Illinois that meets or exceeds the requirements and expectations of Finanace & Administration . 13 our customers. We will actively pursue ever improving quality through programs that enable each employee to continually strive to do their Chief Counsel . 15 job right the first time, every time. Highways. 17 QUALITY STATEMENT Business & Workforce Diversity . 19 Continually strive to do it right the first time, every time. Governmental Affairs . 22 Public & Intermodal Trans. 23 Quality Compliance & Review. 25 Operations & Communications. 26 Secretary. 28 IDOT Inside . 29 IDOT Outside . 32 Fast Facts . 53 2300 South Dirksen Parkway Springfield, IL 62764 www.dot.il.gov Printed by authority of the State of Illinois printed in-house at a cost of $1.25 each, a quantity of 500. 3/07 © 2007 Illinois Department of Transportation 1 2 INTRODUCTION More than 35 years ago, Governor Richard B. Ogilvie, in a special message on transportation stated: Our transportation capabilities are the foundation of our prosperity.
[Show full text]
Former Governors of Illinois
FORMER GOVERNORS OF ILLINOIS Shadrach Bond (D-R*) — 1818-1822 Illinois’ first Governor was born in Maryland and moved to the North - west Territory in 1794 in present-day Monroe County. Bond helped organize the Illinois Territory in 1809, represented Illinois in Congress and was elected Governor without opposition in 1818. He was an advo- cate for a canal connecting Lake Michigan and the Illinois River, as well as for state education. A year after Bond became Gov ernor, the state capital moved from Kaskaskia to Vandalia. The first Illinois Constitution prohibited a Governor from serving two terms, so Bond did not seek reelection. Bond County was named in his honor. He is buried in Chester. (1773- 1832) Edward Coles (D-R*) — 1822-1826 The second Illinois Governor was born in Virginia and attended William and Mary College. Coles inherited a large plantation with slaves but did not support slavery so he moved to a free state. He served as private secretary under President Madison for six years, during which he worked with Thomas Jefferson to promote the eman- cipation of slaves. He settled in Edwardsville in 1818, where he helped free the slaves in the area. As Governor, Coles advocated the Illinois- Michigan Canal, prohibition of slavery and reorganization of the state’s judiciary. Coles County was named in his honor. He is buried in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (1786-1868) Ninian Edwards (D-R*) — 1826-1830 Before becoming Governor, Edwards was appointed the first Governor of the Illinois Territory by President Madison, serving from 1809 to 1818. Born in Maryland, he attended college in Pennsylvania, where he studied law, and then served in a variety of judgeships in Kentucky.
[Show full text]
Corruption Costs Illinois Taxpayers $550M Per Year
ILLINOIS POLICY INSTITUTE SUMMER 2019 SPECIAL REPORT GOOD GOVERNMENT Corruption costs Illinois taxpayers $550M per year By Orphe Divounguy, chief economist, Bryce Hill, research analyst, and Karlee Hinrichsen, policy intern Additional resources: illinoispolicy.org 190 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 60603 | 312.346.5700 | 802 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62704 | 217.528.8800 Table of contents PAGE 03 INTRODUCTION PAGE 04 ILLEGAL CORRUPTION RUNS RAMPANT PAGE 06 WHAT IS LEGAL CORRUPTION? PAGE 08 ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF CORRUPTION PAGE 11 ROOTING OUT CORRUPTION 2 Introduction Chicago is the most corrupt city, and Illinois the third-most corrupt state, in the nation, according to a recent report by the University of Illinois at Chicago. But corruption in Illinois is more than a buzzword. It comes with social and economic costs on par with some of the state’s most important programs. Not only does corruption lessen residents’ faith in the government, it decreases economic growth and disincentivizes investments in the state. Illinois’ public corruption convictions cost the state an estimated $550 million every year from 2000- 2017, the Illinois Policy Institute estimated according to a 2011 study published in the peer-reviewed academic journal “Public Choice.” That’s a total during those 17 years of more than $9.9 billion, or a $779 cost to each person in Illinois. Federal corruption convictions per capita were 8% more common in Illinois than in other states during the time period. The annual loss of economic activity means the 285,000 Illinoisans actively seeking employment find it harder to land a job, and the state economy will likely continue to lag the rest of the nation.
[Show full text]
Interview with Jim Edgar # ISG-A-L-2009-019.23 Interview # 23: November 8, 2010 Interviewer: Mark Depue
Interview with Governor Jim Edgar Volume V (Sessions 23-26) Interview with Jim Edgar # ISG-A-L-2009-019.23 Interview # 23: November 8, 2010 Interviewer: Mark DePue COPYRIGHT The following material can be used for educational and other non-commercial purposes without the written permission of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. “Fair use” criteria of Section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976 must be followed. These materials are not to be deposited in other repositories, nor used for resale or commercial purposes without the authorization from the Audio-Visual Curator at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, 112 N. 6th Street, Springfield, Illinois 62701. Telephone (217) 785-7955 DePue: Today is Monday, November 8, 2010. My name is Mark DePue, the director of oral history with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. This is my twenty-third session with Gov. Jim Edgar. Good afternoon, Governor. Edgar: Good afternoon. DePue: We’ve been at it for a little while, but it’s been a fascinating series of discussions. We are now getting close to the time when we can wrap up your administration. So without further ado in terms of the introduction, what we finished off last time was the MSI discussion. That puts us in the 1997 timeframe, into 1998. I wanted to start, though, with talking about some things in Historic Preservation. Obviously, with myself and our institution— Edgar: Let me ask you a question real quick. Did we do higher education reorganization? DePue: Oh yes. Edgar: We did? Okay. DePue: We did. Edgar: I can remember what I did twenty years ago; I can’t remember what I did two weeks ago.
[Show full text]
Rod Blagojevich
NAMES IN THE NEWS: ROD BLAGOJEVICH By Nicole Alber tson-Nuanes NATIO NA L IN STI TU TE O N MONEY I N STA TE PO LITI CS DECEMBER 19, 2008 This publication was made possible with support from: Carnegie Corporation of New York, Strengthening U.S. Democracy Ford Foundation, Governance Performance and Accountability The Pew Charitable Trusts, State Policy Initiatives Rockefeller Brothers Fund, Program on Democratic Practice 833 NORTH LAST CHANCE GULCH, SECOND FLOOR • HELENA, MT • 59601 PHONE 406-449-2480 • FAX 406-457-2091 • E-MAIL [email protected] www.followthemoney.org INTRODUCTION Federal agents arrested Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich at his home in Chicago on December 9, 2008 and charged him with one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and one count of solicitation of bribery. The charges stem from a federal investigation into public corruption, particularly pay-to-play schemes that exchange political influence, political appointments, or government contracts for substantial campaign contributions. WHO GAVE? The National Institute on Money in State Politics first collected campaign finance reports from Rod Blagojevich in 1996 while he was serving in the Illinois House of Representatives. During that election, Blagojevich reported receiving $55,430 in campaign contributions. He gave up his seat in the latter part of the year, however, after voters elected him to the U.S. House of Representatives. The Institute, which does not collect information on federal candidates,1 next collected campaign finance data from Blagojevich when he ran for Governor of Illinois in 2002. He raised $24.8 million that election cycle in an open race, more than one and a half times the amount raised by the previous governor, George Ryan, when he ran for office in 1998.
[Show full text]
Opportunities for Reforms and Culture Change in Illinois Politics Can We Reform State Government? the Answer Is Definitely Yes
Opportunities for Reforms and Culture Change in Illinois Politics Can we reform state government? The answer is definitely yes. 90 Opportunities for Reforms and Culture Change in Illinois Politics By Richard J. Winkel Jr., Kent D. Redfield, James D. Nowlan, Christopher Z. Mooney he conviction of former Governor Committee on Government Reform on 4 George Ryan and the arrest, impeach - March 31, 2009 . We focused our recom - Tment , and removal from office of former mendations for reform on campaign Governor Rod Blagojevich plainly demon - finance, redistricting, direct democracy strate the need to change the political cul - (including referendum, initiative, and ture of Illinois. This experience has recall), term limits for governors and state resulted in calls for reform from the Illinois legislators, and about changing our state’s Reform Commission appointed by political culture. 1 Governor Pat Quinn, and coalitions of 2 civic groups, such as CHANGE Illinois, In this chapter, we review the opportuni - which have demanded enactment and ties for reform in the context of legislative enforcement of new ethics and campaign actions taken during the General finance laws. Moreover, larger issues loom Assembly’s spring and fall veto sessions in over what some have called Illinois’ “cul - 2009, and consideration of the future role 3 ture of corruption .” of higher education in going beyond legis - lation in helping to change the political a c i s culture. a The University of Illinois Institute of b a i f a Government and Public Affairs (IGPA) r Campaign Finance Reform g o t o produced a report for the Illinois General f / m o Assembly, titled Challenges and Opportunities c .
[Show full text]
2008 July Current
The News of Illinois Greaturrent Rivers Conference of The United Methodist Church Volume 12, NumberC 11 www.igrc.org July 2008 Cleanup, recovery efforts begin to take shape as river crests Attention turns southward as Quad Cities and Quincy begin second phase of disaster response By Paul Black Volunteers and residents along the Mississippi River begin a second stage of response as water levels begin to drop with cresting reported in the Quad Cities and Quincy. As of press time June 23, several areas are breathing a little easier as breaks in several levees have dropped water levels while others are dealing with the flooding left in the aftermath of the break. United Methodists have been involved in the response with tasks ranging from evacuation assistance, sandbagging, preparing meals and the beginning of long-term recovery. Methodists respond Bishop Sharon A. Brown Christopher Ways to respond issued a pastoral letter June 20, noted both The Midwest Mission crisis and opportunity. Distribution Center is in need of flood “I hear the anxiety and anguish of those buckets and flood bucket supplies. A Photo by Bunny Wolfe list of supplies can be found on the See Cleanup on page 20 . Judy Doyle, conference disaster coordinator joins in the sandbagging effort in Quincy. conference web site at: http://www.igrc.org/Ministries/Mis Annual conference focuses on Living the United Methodist Way sions/Disaster-Relief/Flood- Buckets.aspx By Paul Black Take up a special offering for the Conference Disaster Fund #6800. The 2008 Illinois Great Rivers Because the flooding is widespread, Conference held its 12th annual session do not designate funds for a particular June 4-7 at the Peoria Civic Center in area.
[Show full text]
For the People
ForFor thethe PeoplePeople A Ne w s l e t t e r of th e Ab r a h a m Li n c o l n As s o c i a t i o n Volume 2, Number 4 Winter, 2000 Springfield, Illinois Abraham Lincoln Association Endowment Progress by Dr. Robert S. Eckley This may provide an enhancement in Committee are Robert S. Eckley, current income. Chairman, Judith Barringer, Treasurer, he new Abraham Lincoln Assistance is available in gift ALA, Donald H. Funk, Richard E. Association Endowment Fund design from any members of the ALA Hart, Vice President, ALA, and Fred Tis nearing the end of its first full Endowment Committee who are will- B. Hoffmann, and they may be con- year with contributions from ten ing to work with prospective donors tacted through the ALA address at donors. An endowment procedure is or their legal counsel. The Association One Old State Capitol Plaza, in place, and the initial investment board members who serve on this Springfield, IL 62701. placements have been made. We invite all ALA members and friends to con- sider gifts that will enable it to fulfill the Association’s stated mission when Make Your Reservations Now established in Springfield in 1908 to prepare for the centennial of Lincoln’s for February 12 birth. The purpose of the endowment is to strengthen the financial resources of ark your calendars now for sium is “Abraham Lincoln, History, the ALA and to assist in its budgetary February 12. In addition to and the Millennium.” The speakers and planning functions.
[Show full text]
Read the Full Appeal
No. 11-3853 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ) Appeal from the United States ) District Court for the Plaintiff-Appellee, ) Northern District of Illinois, ) vs. ) ) No. 08 CR 888 ROD BLAGOJEVICH, ) ) Honorable James B. Zagel Defendant-Appellant. ) Judge Presiding. BRIEF AND SHORT APPENDIX FOR DEFENDANT-APPELLANT ROD BLAGOJEVICH Leonard C. Goodman Len Goodman Law Office LLC 53 West Jackson Blvd. Suite 1650 Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 986-1984 Lauren Kaeseberg 158 W. Erie Chicago, IL 60654 (773) 517-0622 Attorneys for Defendant-Appellant Rod Blagojevich DISCLOSURE STATEMENT The undersigned, counsel of record for Defendant-Appellant, Rod Blagojevich, furnishes the following in compliance with Circuit Rule 26.1: 1. Full name of every party represented: Rod Blagojevich. 2. Names of all law firms whose partners or associates have appeared or are expected to appear for the party: Sheldon Sorosky Aaron Goldstein Lauren Kaeseberg Elliot Riebman 158 W. Erie Chicago, IL 60654 Samuel Forbes Adam Law Office of Samuel E. Adam 6133 South Ellis Avenue Suite 200 Chicago, IL 60637 Allan A. Ackerman Allan A. Ackerman, P.C. 2000 North Clifton Avenue Chicago, IL 60614 Carolyn Pelling Gurland Carolyn & Gurland Attorney at Law 2 North LaSalle St 17th Floor Chicago, IL 60602 Giel Stein Stein Law Group LLC P. O. Box 11462 Chicago, IL 60611 Marc William Martin Marc W. Martin, Ltd. 53 West Jackson Blvd. Suite 1420 Chicago, IL 60604 Ed Genson Genson and Gillespie 53 West Jackson Blvd. Suite 1420 Chicago, IL 60604 Michael P. Gillespie Genson and Gillespie 53 West Jackson Blvd.
[Show full text]
CCIL Lincoln Line Campaign
ETHICS & ACCOUNTABILITY The Lincoln Line Campaign a bright line of ethical conduct In July of 1850, Abraham Lincoln gave a speech where he advised a new class of attorneys to “be honest in all events.” It’s a simple principle and a basic standard we should expect from anyone who seeks or enters public office. Illinois has consistently been ranked as one of — if not the most — corrupt state in the nation. The list of elected officials in our state that have been embroiled in ethical scandal is long, and the scandals are so outrageous that the names are still haunt Illinois’ reputation — names like Dan Rostenkowski, Dennis Hastert, Jesse Jackson, Jr., Betty Loren-Maltese, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, and Rod Blagojevich. We deserve better. The future of our state depends on our resolve. A clean, ethical government is an effective and efficient government. Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike — join our nonpartisan effort to create a bright line of ethical conduct for all elected officials in Illinois. Our Guiding Principles Before Taking Office • The road to public office shouldn’t be paved by shady donations, quid pro quos, or shadowy conduct. • Candidates should be open and forthright about their positions on the issues. • They should strive to raise as much as they can from small dollar donors versus max out donors in order to grow a supporter base that is more representative of their community as a whole. • They should avoid producing manipulative mailers, ads, and other campaign materials that seek to deceive or mislead the public. While in Public Office • Public officials should at all times vote and act in the best interests of their constituents.
[Show full text]