Rod Blagojevich
Biography
Accomplishments
Throughout Rod Blagojevich's career, he obtained a few successes. He became a member of the Illinois House of Representatives in 1992 after his short lived time as the Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney. He then won the Illinois 5th district seat in the House of Representatives. In 2002, he won the race for governor of Illinouis.
Downfall
In 2005, Blagojevich was in a dispute with his father-in-law. Richard Mell accused Blagojevich of “using him and his daughter” to get ahead in the political world. This very public dispute put him under a very scandalous light. In 2005, Blagojevich was then under public scrutiny when several scandals including the selling of contracts, jobs, and senate seats.
Nature of his Corruption
The former governor is notorious for using his powers as governor for personal gains. In December of 2005, he was accused of giving fast-food contracts for a renovated highway oasis to his campaign donors. A few months later, he was under investigation for receiving a $1,500 check from Mike Ascaridis. Ascaridis’ wife received a job at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources days after the check was sent to the former governor. The governor said that the check was only a gift from Ascaridis to his children, but Beverly Ascaridis claimed it was for her job. Blagojevich then faced accusations of connections to Tony Rezko. Rezko was a key fundraiser in the Blagojevich campaigns. The two were accused of extorting money from businesses for personal gain. He was also accused of selling former Illinois Senator and President Barak Obama’s Senate seat.
Results of Corruption/Scandal
Where is He Now
Best Ever Quote
“Dec. 9 to my family, to us, to me, is what Pearl Harbor Day was to the United States.”
“I don’t believe there’s any cloud that hangs over me. I think there’s nothing but sunshine hanging over me.( the day after he said this, he got arrested)