'Reformer' Blagojevich keeps state politics mired in the mud
Once again, Gov. Rod Blagojevich proves he does not understand the concept of conflict-of-interest or the appearance of a conflict.
As Daily Herald projects and politics writer Joseph Ryan reports today, the governor's legal bills are racking up as the federal government's corruption investigation continues with the trial of one of Blagojevich's former chief fundraisers and adviser, Tony Rezko. Though Blagojevich has not been charged with any crimes, he nonetheless has needed to employ attorneys to the tune of $2.1 million.
So, the governor who was elected on pledge to clean up state government has turned to people doing business with the state, lobbying the state or facing state regulation to cover 73 percent of those legal bills.
Meanwhile, as Daily Herald staff writer Amber Krosol also reports today, a state House bill that aims to implement the reforms that Blagojevich once said he would champion languishes in the Senate, run by the governor's closest ally in the General Assembly, Senate President Emil Jones Jr.
"The governor has been suspiciously silent on this issue," said Jay Stewart, director of the Better Government Association.
Well, not totally silent. What the administration says and what it does, however, is two different things.
"Everything that the governor does is well within campaign guidelines and election law and he follows it to the letter," said spokesman Doug Scofield. "People donate to the governor's campaign for a clear reason: Because they are supportive of the governor and the things he is trying to do for the state of Illinois."
Or perhaps for the things they believe he can do for them. In court filings related to the Rezko case, prosecutors allege the governor told a fundraiser he had "lots of ways of helping his friends" and that "he could award contracts, legal work and investment banking to help with fundraising."
Hmmm. Blagojevich denies the accusations. But he's doing nothing to help counter the perception that pay-to-play in Illinois is alive and well. If he truly believes in reform, he needs to immediately get Jones to move the bill in the Senate that supporters say will clean up Illinois state government.
Illinois is one of just two states with no limits on campaign contributions. And other than a requirement to disclose where money comes from, there virtually are no rules when it comes to campaign finances.
That's a disgrace. As is the black eye Illinois politics is getting with the shenanigans revealed through the Rezko trial.
Come on governor. Insist Sen. Jones move the bill and get this campaign finance bill passed. It's time you did what you were elected to do - reform state government - instead of keeping it mired in the mud.