Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s alleged sleaziness is certainly shocking, said David Moberg in The New Republic. But one aspect of his unfolding scandal is not surprising at all: It is taking place in Illinois. The Illinois governor was recorded in potty-mouthed detail on FBI wiretaps seeking money and other favors in exchange for his official acts. But Blagojevich is “hardly an outlier in Illinois politics.” He’s the fourth of the last eight Illinois governors to face criminal charges, including his immediate predecessor, the current inmate George Ryan. And let’s not forget the roughly 1,000 public officials and Illinois businessmen who have been convicted in corruption cases since the 1970s. So the question must be asked: How did the Land of Lincoln become such a “state of disgrace”?
It seems that corruption is in our political DNA, said Rich Miller in the Chicago Sun-Times. Back in the early days of the state, any businessman wanting to start a company here had to get a law passed recognizing his right to incorporate. The most effective way of doing that was to “offer corporate board memberships to state legislators.” This arrangement established a second income stream for politicians that they’ve clearly been reluctant to relinquish. Also, truth be told, “we’ve tolerated corruption because our corrupt political leaders have mostly been competent, able people”—though the hapless Blagojevich has never been accused of that. Then there’s our notorious “pay to play” system, said Rick Pearson in the Chicago Tribune. Operating in one of the few states with no limits on campaign donations, Illinois politicians have a huge incentive to barter their influence to the highest bidder. “Want a state contract? Pony up.”
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