ICPR Spotcheck: Statement on the Rod Blagojevich Verdict
ILLINOIS CAMPAIGN FOR POLITICAL REFORM
STATEMENT ON THE ROD BLAGOJEVICH VERDICT
August 18, 2010
Justice was served to former Governor Rod Blagojevich with his conviction on one count of lying to the FBI. Now Rod Blagojevich is both a disgraced ex-governor and a felon.
The testimony and prosecution's evidence has revealed troubling truths about the internal operations of the Blagojevich administration -- some lackadaisical, some look downright criminal.
Illinoisans should be able to trust their elected officials to act in our best interest, not the office holders' personal interests. Blagojevich failed to meet this very basic but essential standard.
While it is unfortunate that the jury could not reach unanimity on all the charges, the prosecution's wealth of evidence and determination to move forward with a re-trial suggests that resolution in one of Illinois' most troubling political scandals may still be forthcoming.
But just as important as a conviction, the trial has shown the importance of electing good men and women to office. Voters soon will go to the polls again - with this trial or the next one fresh in their memories. All should be asking candidates across the ballot how they will clean up government in Illinois. Listen closely to the answers. Challenge the candidates. Begin discussions with co-workers and neighbors. Go beyond the 30-second tv commercials. Who, among the candidates for all offices on the ballot, are the best to lead the state toward better government? That verdict is just as important as what happens in court.
We are certain of two things: Rod Blagojevich will be on trial again, and there will be an important election in November. Both are central elements in making Illinois government fair and honest.
ICPR Spotcheck is a publication of The Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, a non-partisan public interest group that educates, conducts research, and advocates reforms to promote public participation in government, address the role of money in politics, and encourage integrity, accountability, and transparency in government.
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