I am heading to Chicago for the Fourth of July holiday. I can't wait. I love Chicago and visiting with family. But within the last few days, Chicago has been in the news once again for something other than than it's wonderful museums, beautiful views of the lake, zoos, the Aquarium, etc, etc, etc. That's right, the trial of former governer Rod Blagojevich brought to light a poorly kept "secret" about Chicago's politics........they are corrupt! And this last episode is part of Chicago politics tradition.
Since the 1970's, Illinois has had 8 governors. Four of these governors have gone to prison on charges related to corruption.
1. Otto Kerner
Term: 1961-1968; followed by a term as a Judge on the US Court of Appeals-7th Circuit, nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson.
Party: Democrat
The crime: Taking bribes from the manager, Marge Lindheimer Everett of Arlington Race Track. Arlington wanted two expressway exits. Kerner received stock in exchange for the exits. How did Kerner get caught? Everett deducted the bribe on his tax returns thinking that bribes were part and parsal of doing business in Illinois.
The conviction: Bribery, tax evasion, conspiracy, perjury, and related charges
2. Dan Walker
Term: 1973-1977
Party: Democrat
The crime: Committed several improprieties involving the First American Savings and Loan Association of Oak Brook. It is speculated that Walker received over $1 million in fraudulent loans to for his other business and repairs to the Governor's Lady, his yacht.
The conviction: Bank Fraud and other improprieties
3. George Ryan
Term: 1999-2003
Party: Republican
The crime:
"Mr. Ryan steered contracts worth millions of dollars to friends and took payments and vacations in return. When he was a sitting governor, he lied to the F.B.I. about this conduct and then he went out and did it again." He charged that one of the most egregious aspects of the corruption was Ryan's action after learning that bribes were being paid for licenses. Instead of ending the practice he tried to end the investigation that had uncovered it, Fitzgerald said, calling the moment "a low-water mark for public service."
The conviction: Corruption
4. Rod Blagojevich
Term: 2003-2009
Party: Democrat
Charges: Federal corruption charges (e.g. conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery).
The conviction: Found guilty on 17 of the charges. "He was found guilty on all charges pertaining to the senate seat, however he was acquitted on a charge pertaining to the tollway extortion. Each count holds a max of twenty years in prison, and sentencing should begin within the next few months."
Honorable Mention:
William Stratton--who was indicted for tax evasion, but later acquitted. Stratton was the governor from 1953-1961
So, this corrupt "history" makes me wonder about our current president and his ties to Chicago politics. It doesn't seem like such a far stretch to think that there may be a "shady" bunch surrounding the president. And it doesn't seem like such a stretch to think that Barrack Obama may have learned a few tricks himself. After all, the only politics Obama knew before entering through the doors of the White House was 142 days of political office in Chicago. And before that, Obama headed up the Illinois chapter of ACORN, an organization known for it's corruption.
If I were a betting man, I would say the A.C.O.R.N. has not fallen too far from the "tree".
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