Governor Blagojevich One of Many Politicos in Trouble This Year

2008 has seen a number of political figures charged with crimes or ethical violations. Ted Stevens, Senator from Alaska, was one of the most notable. Now the Governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, has been arrested

2008 has seen a number of political figures charged with crimes or ethical violations. Ted Stevens, Senator from Alaska, was one of the most notable. Now the Governor of Illinois, Rod Blagojevich, has been arrested for attempting to sell the Senate seat occupied by Barack Obama prior to the latter’s election as President. He is accused of trying to sell that seat to the highest bidder, a charge founded upon a series of wiretaps that had been authorized by the courts under the aegis of the FBI that produced a 76-page report substantiating the claims made about the Governor. Governor Blagojevich has also been charged with threatening the Tribune Company that owns the Chicago Tribune with the withholding of state assistance from the sale of Wrigley Field if they did not fire some of the paper’s board members who had written negatively about him. This abuse of office is similar to the charges made against Sarah Palin, Governor of Alaska, that she threatened, and eventually fired, a staff member for not dismissing her former brother-in-law with which she had personal grievances. Although Palin was not found guilty of crimes, nevertheless the courts observed that she had used her office in unethical ways in order to pursue personal vendettas. This episode comes on the heels of the Presidential campaign when John McCain, in his campaign for the Presidency, discussed the irregular and illegal activities of the politicians of Illinois. Governor Blagojevich was the first Democrat elected Governor of Illinois in 30 years in 2002, defeating Attorney General Jim Ryan in a close political race. He handily defeated Republican challengers Topinka and Rich Whitney in his re-election bid in 2006. To his credit Governor Blagojevich put through considerable progressive reform legislation during his tenure as Governor that included ethics reform, death penalty reform, state Earned Income Tax credit, a comprehensive smoking ban and legislation prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations based on sexual orientation. He did, however, have a number of political mishaps where he was accused of poor decision-making. At one time when it was suspected there might be a shortage of the flu vaccine, Blagojevich ordered 260,000 does from overseas, despite the fact that the FDA had stipulated that the drug supply could not enter the United States. This cost the State of Illinois $2.6 million. Blagojevich also advocated legislation banning sales of certain video games to minors, legislation that was declared unconstitutional and that resulted in the state paying $520,000 in legal fees. Accusations made about Blagojevich reflect the continuing difficulties he has had during his administration. Blagojevich has had poor relationships with members of both parties in Illinois.that have included Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Secretary of State Jesse White and others who are all Democrats. He has had trouble getting legislation passed because of what other politicians have labeled as a dictatorial attitude.