Rod R. Blagojevich
Blagojevich's congressional portrait Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ...
40th Governor of Illinois
Incumbent
Assumed office  January 13, 2003
Lieutenant	Pat Quinn
Preceded by	George Ryan
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois's 5th district
In office 1997 – 2003
Preceded by	Michael Flanagan
Succeeded by	Rahm Emanuel
Born	December 10, 1956 (1956-12-10) (age 51) Chicago, Illinois
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Patricia Mell
Profession	Lawyer
Religion	Serbian Orthodox[1]

Milorad Blagojevich, commonly known as Rod R. Blagojevich (pronounced /bləˈgɔɪəvɪtʃ/ listen (help· info), born December 10, 1956) is an American politician from the state of Illinois. A Democrat, Blagojevich currently serves as Governor of Illinois and previously represented parts of Chicago in the U.S. Congress. He is the second Serbian American to be elected governor of any state of the United States, after George Voinovich of Ohio. The Governor of Illinois is the chief executive of the State of Illinois and the various agencies and departments over which the officer has jurisdiction, as prescribed in the state constitution. ... Open seat redirects here. ... is the 13th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Lieutenant Governor of Illinois is the secondary chief executive of the State of Illinois and the various agencies and departments over which the lieutenant governor has specific jurisdiction. ... Pat Quinn (born 1948), is a United States politician from the state of Illinois. ... George Ryan George Homer Ryan (born February 24, 1934 in Maquoketa, Iowa) was the Governor of the U.S. state of Illinois from 1999 until 2003. ... Type Bicameral Speaker of the House of Representatives House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Steny Hoyer, (D) since January 4, 2007 House Minority Leader John Boehner, (R) since January 4, 2007 Members 435 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Springfield Largest city Chicago Largest metro area Chicago Metropolitan Area Area  Ranked 25th  - Total 57,918 sq mi (140,998 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 390 miles (629 km)  - % water 4. ... Illinois 5th congressional district is a United States Congressional District that covers the northside of Chicago and parts of Cook County. ... For the band, see 1997 (band). ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Rahm Emanuel (born November 29, 1959) is an American politician. ... is the 344th day of the year (345th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A car from 1956 Year 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... Flag Seal Nickname: The Windy City Motto: Urbs In Horto (Latin: City in a Garden), I Will Location Location in Chicagoland and northern Illinois Coordinates , Government Country State Counties United States Illinois Cook, DuPage Mayor Richard M. Daley (D) Geographical characteristics Area     City 606. ... The Democratic Party is one of two major political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. ... For the fish called lawyer, see Burbot. ... Early history The Serbs migrated to the Balkans during the reign of Byzantine emperor Heraclius (610-641). ... Image File history File links Blagojevich. ... is the 344th day of the year (345th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... A car from 1956 Year 1956 (MCMLVI) was a leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Politics series Politics Portal This box:      A politician is an individual who is a formally recognized and active member of a government, or a person who influences the way a society is governed through an understanding of political power and group dynamics. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  US Government Portal      A U.S. state is any one of the fifty subnational entities of... Official language(s) English[1] Capital Springfield Largest city Chicago Largest metro area Chicago Metropolitan Area Area  Ranked 25th  - Total 57,918 sq mi (140,998 km²)  - Width 210 miles (340 km)  - Length 390 miles (629 km)  - % water 4. ... The Democratic Party of Illinois is a political party and affiliate of the United States Democratic Party in Illinois. ... The Governor of Illinois is the chief executive of the State of Illinois and the various agencies and departments over which the officer has jurisdiction, as prescribed in the state constitution. ... For other uses, see Chicago (disambiguation). ... Type Bicameral Speaker of the House of Representatives House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Steny Hoyer, (D) since January 4, 2007 House Minority Leader John Boehner, (R) since January 4, 2007 Members 435 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party... Languages Serbian Religions Predominantly Serbian Orthodox Christian Related ethnic groups Other Slavic peoples, especially South Slavs See Cognate peoples below (* many Serbs opted for Yugoslav ethnicity) [27] Serbs (Serbian: Срби or Srbi) are a South Slavic people who live mainly in Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and, to a lesser extent, in... For other uses, see Governor (disambiguation). ... George Victor Voinovich (born July 15, 1936) is the senior United States Senator from the state of Ohio, and a member of the Republican Party. ...

Personal life

Blagojevich was born and raised in Chicago's northwest side in a middle-class family in Chicago. His father was a former Chetnik who immigrated to the United States and found work as a steel plant laborer.^[2] He has an older brother, Robert. Blagojevich spent much of his childhood working odd jobs to help the family survive. He was a shoeshiner and pizza delivery boy before working at a meat packing plant.^[2] In order to afford college, Blagojevich worked at the Trans-Alaskan Pipeline System as a dishwasher.^[2] Chetniks (Serbian Četnici, Четници) were an organization of Yugoslavs (mostly Serbs) who supported the Kingdom of Yugoslavia and formed a notable resistance force during World War II. The name is derived from the Serbian word četa which means company (of about 100 men). ... For other uses, see Steel (disambiguation). ... A boot polisher on a railway platform in Mumbai, India Shoeshiner is a profession in which a person polishes shoes with shoe polish. ... For other uses, see College (disambiguation). ... Map of the pipeline The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), usually called the Alyeska Pipeline in Alaska or the Alaska Pipeline elsewhere, is a major U.S. oil pipeline connecting oil fields in northern Alaska to a sea port where the oil can be shipped to the Lower 48 states...

Blagojevich is married to the former Patricia Mell, daughter of Chicago Alderman Richard Mell. The couple has two daughters, Amy and Anne. Anne was born just months after her father was sworn in as governor. His sister-in-law is Deb Mell, a gay rights activist running unopposed for the state house in 2008. Blagojevich has no middle name, but uses the initial "R." in honor of his late father Radisa Blagojevich.Blog entry by Josh Goodman of Governing magazine.</ref> The list below includes the aldermen of Chicago in order by ward. ... The gay rights movement is a collection of loosely aligned civil rights groups, human rights groups, support groups and political activists seeking acceptance, tolerance and equality for non-heterosexual, (homosexual, bisexual), and transgender people - despite the fact that it is typically referred to as the gay rights movement, members also... The Illinois House of Representatives convenes at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. ...

Education

He graduated from Chicago's Foreman High School after transferring from Lane Technical High School. After graduation, he enrolled at the University of Tampa. ^[3] After two years, he transferred to Northwestern University in suburban Evanston where he obtained his bachelor's degree in 1979. He attended Pepperdine University Law School where he obtained his Juris Doctor (J.D.) in 1983. Upon his return to Chicago, Blagojevich entered the legal profession in the public sector. He served as Cook County Assistant State's Attorney, prosecuting domestic abuse crimes and felony weapons cases.^{[citation needed]} Foreman High School Main (773) 534-3400 Fax (773) 534-3684 Administration Mr. ... Lane Technical College Preparatory High School, colloquially known as Lane Tech, is a public four-year magnet high school located in Chicago, Illinois. ... The University of Tampa, or UT, is a private, co-educational university in downtown Tampa, Florida. ... Northwestern University (NU) is a selective private, nonsectarian, coeducational research university with campuses located in Evanston, Illinois and downtown Chicago, Illinois. ... “Suburbia” redirects here. ... Incorporated City in 1872. ... Also: 1979 by Smashing Pumpkins. ... Poopperdine University is a private institution of higher learning affiliated with the Church of Christ in unincorporated Los Angeles County, California, United States. ... // A law school is an institution where future lawyers obtain legal degrees. ... J.D. redirects here. ... It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Law School. ... Year 1983 (MCMLXXXIII) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar). ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... The State Attorney (also called States Attorney or District Attorney or D.A.) is an appointed or elected official who is often the chief law enforcement officer of his or her respective county circuit or district. ... Abuse is a general term for the misuse of a person or thing, causing harm to the person or thing, to the abuser, or to someone else. ... For the record label, see Felony Records The term felony is a term used in common law systems for very serious crimes, whereas misdemeanors are considered to be less serious offenses. ... For other uses, see Weapon (disambiguation). ...

Legislator

With the backing of his influential father-in-law, alderman Richard Mell, Blagojevich ran for a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives and won in 1992. Most of his legislative accomplishments centered on crime and justice issues.^{[citation needed]} He took from his experiences as a prosecutor to pass laws that he argued would strengthen the state's judicial system and cut crime. The list below includes the aldermen of Chicago in order by ward. ... The Illinois House of Representatives convenes at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. ...

The Fifth Congressional District, in which Blagojevich lived, had long been represented by powerful Chicago Congressman Daniel Rostenkowski, who served as chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee. However, following his loss in 1994 (Rostenkowski pled guilty to mail fraud), the overwhelmingly Democratic district was represented by Republican Mike Flanagan. Illinois 5th congressional district is a United States Congressional District that covers the north side of Chicago and parts of Cook County. ... Dan Rostenkowski served in Congress as a U.S. Representative from Illinois from 1959 to 1995. ... A Chairman is the presiding officer of a meeting, organization, committee, or other deliberative body. ... The Committee on Ways and Means is a committee of the United States House of Representatives. ... Michael Dennis Patrick Flanagan (born November 9, 1963) is an Illinois politician. ...

However, in 1996, Blagojevich defeated Flanagan with support from his father-in-law, and served three terms in the United States House of Representatives. (Following Blagojevich's election as governor, the Fifth District elected former Clinton aide and 1992 financial chief Rahm Emanuel. Emanuel was chosen to head the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for the 2006 election cycle.) Type Bicameral Speaker of the House of Representatives House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Steny Hoyer, (D) since January 4, 2007 House Minority Leader John Boehner, (R) since January 4, 2007 Members 435 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party... William Jefferson Bill Clinton (born William Jefferson Blythe III[1] on August 19, 1946) was the 42nd President of the United States, serving from 1993 to 2001. ... Rahm Emanuel (born November 29, 1959) is an American politician. ... Categories: Politics stubs ...

In Congress, Blagojevich continued to champion what he called anti-crime measures, especially gun control legislation. In general, though, he was not known as a particularly active Congressman.^{[citation needed]} Blagojevich was thrust into international prominence in the late 1990s when he traveled with Jesse Jackson to Belgrade in the former Yugoslavia to negotiate the release of American prisoners of war from President Slobodan Milošević.^{[citation needed]} For the band, see 1990s (band). ... Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr. ... For other uses, see Belgrade (disambiguation). ... Yugoslavia (Jugoslavija in the Latin alphabet, Југославија in Cyrillic; English: South Slavia, or literary The Land of South Slavs) describes three political entities that existed one at a time on the Balkan Peninsula in Europe, during most of the 20th century. ... MiloÅ¡ević redirects here. ...

On October 10, 2002, Rod Blagojevich was among the 81 House Democrats who voted in favor of authorizing the invasion of Iraq.^[4] He was the only Democrat from Illinois to vote in favor of the Iraq war. This article is about the 2003 invasion of Iraq. ...

2002 Gubernatorial election

In 2002, Blagojevich ran for his party's nomination to become governor. Blagojevich won a close primary campaign against former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris, whose base was largely African-American voters, and Chicago Public Schools Superintendent Paul Vallas, who ran strong in the suburban "collar" counties of Chicago. Blagojevich won the primary largely by dominating the downstate Illinois (i.e., outside Chicago and the collar counties) vote.^{[citation needed]} Roland W. Burris is a former politician and statewide officeholder in Illinois. ... Paul G. Vallas is the new chief executive officer of the School District of [[New Orleans in Louisiana. ... For other uses, see Chicago (disambiguation). ...

In the general election, Blagojevich defeated Republican Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan handily (Ryan chose to run for Governor instead of running again for the Attorney General position, which is now held by Lisa Madigan). Ethics scandals had plagued the previous administration of Republican George Ryan (no relation to Jim), and Blagojevich's campaign focused on the theme of "ending business as usual" in state government. A general election is an election in which all or most members of a given political body are up for election. ... GOP redirects here. ... The Illinois Attorney General is the highest legal officer of the state of Illinois in the United States. ... Jim Ryan (the great!) served as Illinois Attorney General from 1995 to 2003. ... Lisa Madigan (born July 30, 1966 in Chicago) is the current and 41st Attorney General of the U.S. state of Illinois. ... George Ryan George Homer Ryan (born February 24, 1934 in Maquoketa, Iowa) was the Governor of the U.S. state of Illinois from 1999 until 2003. ...

Gubernatorial administration

After the 2002 elections, Democrats had control of the Illinois House, Senate, and all but one statewide office. Since taking office, Blagojevich has signed numerous pieces of progressive legislation such as ethics reform, death penalty reform, a state Earned Income Tax Credit, a statewide comprehensive smoking ban and expansions of health programs like KidCare and FamilyCare. Blagojevich signed a bill in 2005 that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, public accommodations, and credit. For other uses, see Progressivism (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Ethics (disambiguation). ... Capital punishment, or the death penalty, is the execution of a convicted criminal by the state as punishment for crimes known as capital crimes or capital offences. ... The United States federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a refundable tax credit that reduces or eliminates the taxes that low-income married or single working people pay (such as payroll taxes) and also frequently operates as a wage subsidy for low-income workers. ... Manifestations Slavery Racial profiling Lynching Hate speech Hate crime Genocide (examples) Ethnocide Ethnic cleansing Pogrom Race war Religious persecution Gay bashing Blood libel Paternalism Police brutality Movements Policies Discriminatory Race / Religion / Sex segregation Apartheid Redlining Internment Anti-discriminatory Emancipation Civil rights Desegregation Integration Equal opportunity Counter-discriminatory Affirmative action Racial... Sexual orientation refers to the direction of an individuals sexuality, usually conceived of as classifiable according to the sex or gender of the persons whom the individual finds sexually attractive. ...

Shortly after taking office in 2003, Blagojevich continued support of a "moratorium" on executions of death row inmates, even though no such executions are likely to occur for years (his predecessor, George Ryan, commuted all of the death sentences in the state shortly before leaving office in 2003).^[5] This support has continued through his administration.^[6] For information about the Record company see Death Row Records For information about the computer game see Deathrow (game) Death Row is a term that refers to the section of a prison that houses individuals awaiting execution. ... George Ryan George Homer Ryan (born February 24, 1934 in Maquoketa, Iowa) was the Governor of the U.S. state of Illinois from 1999 until 2003. ...

Blagojevich with Congressman Rahm Emmanuel (D-IL) advocating for changes in medicare legislation.

Other notable actions of his term include a strict new ethics law and a comprehensive death penalty reform bill that was written by now-U.S. Senator Barack Obama (when he was serving as an Illinois State Senator) and the late U.S. Senator Paul M. Simon. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... President Johnson signing the Medicare amendment. ... “Barack” redirects here. ... Paul Martin Simon (November 29, 1928 - December 9, 2003) was an American politician from Illinois. ...

Despite an annual budget crunch, Blagojevich has overseen an increase in funding for health care and education every year without raising general sales or income taxes. He has, however, been criticized by Republicans and many moderate Democrats for failing to adequately fund the state pension system. On 10 January 2006, Blagojevich announced a proposal for a new $3 billion (US) spending plan for Illinois roads, mass transit, and schools, to be paid for by increased tax revenue and new gambling proposals (such as Keno and Lottery games).^[7] The proposal met with immediate opposition by members of the Republican Party in Illinois and many Democrats, who view it as "an election year ploy." The suggestion to legalize Keno within Illinois was later withdrawn.^[8]

Another early 2006 proposal included "universal preschool" for all three- and four-year-old children in Illinois. Legislation authorizing the program was adopted as part of the fiscal 2007 budget.^[9]

In February 2006, in his "State of the State" address, he talked of the need for a state ban on semi-automatic firearms, prompting threats from several gunmakers in the state to leave. Among these were ArmaLite Inc., Rock River Arms, Les Baer Custom and the legendary Springfield Armory.^[10] The Armalite AR-18. ... Rock River Arms, Incorporated is a manufacturing company based in Colona, Illinois. ... Les Baer Custom Inc. ... In 1974, the Springfield Armory brand name was purchased by Robert Reese, who formed a new company to manufacture M1A rifles. ...

The Governor has striven to improve traffic safety. Blagojevich proposed and signed into law a bill that was concerned with making seatbelt enforcement a primary offense (no traffic offense required before being stopped for a seatbelt violation).^{[citation needed]} Another bill signed by the Governor allows the Illinois State Police to operate photo radar on Illinois Tollways in construction zones.^{[citation needed]} Three times, he has vetoed a bill that would permit trucks to drive 65 mph instead of the current 55 mph.^{[citation needed]} The field of road safety is concerned with reducing the numbers or the consequences of vehicle crashes, by developing and implementing management systems based in a multidisciplinary and holistic approach, with interrelated activities in a number of fields. ... The Illinois State Police (ISP) is the state police force of Illinois. ...

Criticisms, controversies, and scandal

Although Blagoejvich was elected on a promise to end the corruption that led to the federal indictment and conviction of former Governor George Ryan, his administration has been plagued by similar controversies^[11]. Polling completed in November 2007 put Blagojevich's approval rating among Illinois voters at 31.5%. In the same poll, 52% of voters said that they would vote to recall the governor if the Illinois Constitution allowed it.^[12] George Homer Ryan (born February 24, 1934 in Maquoketa, Iowa) was the Governor of the U.S. state of Illinois from 1999 until 2003. ...

Federal Investigations

On December 30, 2005, it was reported that a leasing deal reached for occupants of the remodeled Illinois Tollway oasis has come under investigation by U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald. This is in addition to other investigations in the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Department of Corrections and the Department of Children and Family Services.^[13] Investigations into other programs related to Illinois' Tollway System, specifically the delivery of I-Pass transponders, have also been announced.^[14] is the 364th day of the year (365th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Belvidere Oasis An Illinois Tollway oasis is a type of service plaza that is found along interstate highways that are toll roads in Illinois. ... Patrick J. Fitzgerald (born December 22, 1960) is an American attorney and the current United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. ... I-PASS is the electronic toll collection system used by the Illinois Tollway. ...

On June 30, 2006, it was revealed that state Attorney General Lisa Madigan had received a letter from United States Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, stating that Fitzgerald is looking into "very serious allegations of endemic hiring fraud" in the Blagojevich administration, and thanking Madigan for turning over her office's investigation to the federal authorities.^[15] Madigan later stated that she could not endorse Blagojevich because of her office's role in the investigation. is the 181st day of the year (182nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Lisa Madigan (born July 30, 1966 in Chicago) is the current and 41st Attorney General of the U.S. state of Illinois. ... United States Attorneys (also known as federal prosecutors) represent the U.S. federal government in United States district court and United States court of appeals. ... Patrick J. Fitzgerald (born December 22, 1960) is an American attorney and the current United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. ...

In September 2006, it was revealed that Blagojevich had accepted a $1,500 check from Mike Ascaridis, whom the governor described as one of his closest friends, in 2003.^[16] The check was given two weeks after Ascaridis' wife, Beverly, received a state job at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Mrs. Ascaridis received this appointment despite having failed a state hiring exam.^[17] Blagojevich initially asserted that the check was written as a birthday gift to his oldest daughter. He then later said it was a gift for his younger daughter's christening.^[18] U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald^[19] and the FBI^[20] are investigating the matter.

On October 2, 2006, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that a company that contributed close to $120,000 to Blagojevich's 2002 gubernatorial campaign won a no-bid contract. Even though the contract was awarded by the Illinois' Capital Development Board [11], the board still reports to the Governor.^[21] is the 275th day of the year (276th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The St. ...

On October 11, 2006, Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin Rezko was indicted for participation in a scheme to obtain kickbacks from investment firms seeking business from the state teachers' pension system.^[22] is the 284th day of the year (285th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Antoin Tony Rezko is an Illinois restaurant and real estate developer currently facing federal charges of attempted extortion, money laundering, and fraud. ...

The governor's wife, Patricia Blagojevich, was a business partner of Rezko's for at least a decade. In 2004, she received over $38,000 in real estate commissions from him.^[23]

In October 2006, it was revealed that Mrs. Blagojevich, a licensed real estate broker, earned $113,700 in commissions from Anita and Amrish Mahajan. These were the only commissions earned by Mrs. Blagojevich this year. Anita Mahajan owns a urinalysis company that holds a no-bid contract with the state Department of Children and Family Services. Amrish Mahajan is president of a bank that has two requests pending before state regulators to acquire two out-of-state banks.^[24]

On November 27, 2006, a day after the indictment of lawyer Melvyn I. Weiss, "Friends of Blagojevich" returned a $10,000 contribution his campaign received from Milberg Weiss, records show that Blagojevich has not returned another $40,000 from Melvyn Weiss and other lawyers in Weiss' firm. Weiss paid $5,000 toward lodging, meals and entertainment for Blagojevich and others with him during the December 2003 trip to New York.^[25] is the 331st day of the year (332nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Melvyn I. Weiss is an American attorney who co-founded the well-known plaintiff class action law firm Milberg Weiss. ... Founded in 1964 by attorneys Larry Milberg and Melvyn I. Weiss, Milberg Weiss (currently known as Milberg Weiss Bershad & Schulman LLP) is one of the largest U.S. law firms specializing in class actions. ...

In December 2007, Blagojevich campaign boss Chris Kelly was indicted on federal charges of tax fraud.^[26] The charges against Kelly were not related to the governor or any political work. However, Kelly has been listed as a "co-schemer" in court filings related to the Rezko case. According to prosecutors, Kelly was involved in pressuring prospective state contractors for "finder's fees" or political contributions.^[27] At the time of Rezko's indictment, Blagojevich described his relationship with Kelly: "They're two different people, by the way, and it's a different relationship. Chris and I are much closer. Chris is the head of my political campaign. That's someone I talk to a lot more frequently."^[28]

Blagojevich was widely rumored to be the unnamed "Public Official A" mentioned in the Rezko indictment. The governor repeatedly denied that he was Public Offical A, but on February 26, 2008, the judge in the case issued a ruling which confirmed his identity. A pretrial ruling in the case from U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve named the Blagojevich campaign and confirmed that Blagojevich was the intended beneficiary of at least one of Rezko's extortion attempts. Blagojevich was not charged in the indictment, although prosecutors have asserted in other court filings that he told a top Democratic fundraiser that he could steer contracts, legal work and investment banking in order to help with fundraising. ^{[29] [30]} is the 57th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ...

$10,000 Campaign Contibution and the Elevator Safety Board

The Associated Press reported on March 3, 2008, that on July 23, 2003, Friends of Blagojevich received a $10,000 campaign contribution from the Elevator Constructors Local 2 PAC fund ^[31]in the same month three Union Officers received appointments to the Illinois Elevator Safety Board. The Associated Press, or AP, is an American news agency, the worlds largest such organization. ... is the 204th day of the year (205th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2003 (MMIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ...

The President of Elevator Constructors Local 2 (Chicago) Stephen Hynes was appointed as the labor representative, the Business Manager of Elevator Constructors Local 55 (Peoria) Roderick Gillis was appointed as a representative of a municipality with a population under 25,000 and a third Union Officer, Local 2 Business Manager and Elevator Constructors Vice President Frank J. Christensen was appointed as Chairman of the Illinois Elevator Safety Board by Governor Blagojevich. Christensen was appointed as a representative of a municipality between 25,000 and 50,000. At the time of Christensen's appointment in 2003, the village of Tinley Park had a population in excess of 53,000. Christensen and the Business Manager of Elevator Constructors Local 55, Roderick Gillis were reappointed to their same board positions in 2007 by Governor Blagojevich. Tinley Park's population was in excess of 58,000 in 2007. ^{[32] [33]} Tinley Park is a village located in Cook County, Illinois. ...

CBS 2 News in Chicago reported on March 4, 2008; that the Safety Board appointments are expected to come up at Federal Corruption trial of Tony Rezko. On March 8, 2008 the Department of Justice released more Court Documents showing Rezko's involvement to the Blagojevich Administration fundraising. Included in the ten page document, it reveals the July 23, 2003 $10,000 Elevator Constructors Local 2 PAC fund contribution went through Tony Rezko on July 24, 2003 and deposited into Blagojevich's coffers on July 25, 2003. ^{[34] [35]}

Feud With Father-in-law

A major event of 2005 was Blagojevich's dispute with his father-in-law, Richard Mell. The feud went public when Blagojevich shut down a landfill owned by a distant cousin of his wife Patti for environmental problems, and it was revealed that Mell had served as an advisor to the cousin. Legislation was eventually passed giving the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency more authority over landfills and preventing relatives of top Illinois officials from owning landfills.^{[citation needed]} The list below includes the aldermen of Chicago in order by ward. ... Look up landfill in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) of the state of Illinois is the primary body concerned with the protection of the environment for the state. ...

Relationships with Fellow Lawmakers

Blagojevich's lieutenant governor is Pat Quinn, with whom he has had a sour relationship since taking office. Quinn and Blagojevich have publicly disputed the latter's proposed "Gross Receipts Tax" to increase revenue for schools and other projects within Illinois.^[36] Blagojevich has been criticized by members of both parties in the state legislature who see him as "disengaged" and "dictatorial."^[37] Democratic legislator Jack Franks has said that the reason Blagojevich has problems passing laws with the cooperation of the Legislature is that he does not spend enough time with the Legislature. "That’s a real reason he has such poor relations with the Legislature and can’t get any of his agenda passed, because he doesn’t talk to anybody."^[38] When lawmakers working on a budget during a special session met at 10 a.m. rather than 2pm and Blagojevich's attorney threatened that the Governor was considering legal action, Democratic Rep. Joe Lyons told reporters, "We have a madman. The man is insane."^[37] Blagojevich has had an ongoing feud with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, a fiscal conservative who resists Blagojevich's proposed increases in state spending.^[37] A Lieutenant Governor is a government official who is the subordinate or deputy of a Governor or Governor-General. ... Pat Quinn (born 1948), is a United States politician from the state of Illinois. ... Human taste sensory organs, called taste buds or gustatory calyculi, and concentrated on the upper surface of the tongue, appear to be receptive to relatively few chemical species as tastes. ... This article includes a list of works cited or a list of external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks in-text citations. ... A dictator is an authoritarian, often totalitarian ruler (e. ... Jack Franks is a Democratic member of the Illinois House of Representatives from the 63rd district. ... Michael J. Madigan (born April 19, 1942) is a politician in the U.S. state of Illinois, serving as a Democratic member of the Illinois General Assembly. ...

Following a 2007 meeting with State Senator Mike Jacobs, meant to convince Jacobs to vote for Blagojevich's health insurance proposals, Jacobs emerged telling reporters that the Governor "blew up at him like a 10-year-old child,"^[39] acted as if he might hit Jacobs, screamed obscenities at him and threatened to ruin his political career if Jacobs didn't vote for the bill.^[39] Jacobs said if Blagojevich had talked to him like that at a tavern, "I would have kicked his tail end."^[37] Blagojevich would not comment on the alleged incident.^[37] Mike Jacobs is a Democratic member of the Illinois Senate, representing the 36th District since he was appointed in 2005. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...

Appointments

In early 2006, after the appointment of Claudette Marie Muhammad, chief of protocol of the Nation of Islam to an Illinois anti-discrimination commission, five other members of this commission resigned. Muhammad has distanced herself from statements made by Louis Farrakhan, and Blagojevich has promised to "oversee meaningful dialogue with leaders of the Jewish, black and gay communities." Despite this, the Anti-Discrimination League has been calling for her removal from the state panel.^[40] The resignation or removal of fellow commission member Rick Garcia has also been called for by the Illinois Family Institute, over statements made by Garcia about Francis Cardinal George.^[41] Republican candidate for Governor Jim Oberweis echoed the call for Garcia's removal or resignation in an e-mail release as part of his campaign for the Illinois Republican gubernatorial nomination.^[42] The Nation of Islam (NOI) is a religious and social/political organization founded in the United States by Wallace Fard Muhammad in 1930 with the self-proclaimed goal of resurrecting the spiritual, mental, social, economic condition of the black man and woman of America and belief that God will bring... Louis Farrakhan (born Louis Eugene Walcott, May 11, 1933), is the acting head of the Nation of Islam (NOI) as the National Representative of Elijah Muhammad. ... Cardinal George is the current Archbishop of Chicago. ... Jim Oberweis is a Chicago-area dairy magnate who twice ran for the Illinois Republican nomination for the United States Senate. ...

Daily Show Appearance

In early-February 2006, Blagojevich appeared on The Daily Show to discuss his executive order that pharmacists must dispense any drugs for which a customer had a valid prescription, including birth control pills and Plan B. This controversial measure was being challenged on the show by state legislator Ron Stephens from Greenville in the 102nd District. Blagojevich was interviewed by Jason Jones who repeatedly pretended to be unable to pronounce Blagojevich and simply called him "Governor Smith". This prompted Blagojevich to turn to the camera and ask "Is he teasing me or is that legit?" Two weeks after the interview, Blagojevich admitted that he was unaware of the nature of the show.^[43] Stephens said he knew beforehand that the show was a comedy show: "I thought the governor was hip enough that he would have known that, too."^[43] The Daily Show (currently The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning American satirical television program produced by and airing on Comedy Central. ... Levonorgestrel (or l-norgestrel or D-norgestrel) is a synthetic progestogen used as an active ingredient in some hormonal contraceptives. ... Ron Stephens is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing District 102, which includes portions of Bond County, Madison County, Effingham County, Fayette County and St. ... Greenville is a city located in Bond County, Illinois. ... Jason Jones (born in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) is a Canadian comedian known best for his work on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. ...

Stephens later said, "With all due respect to the governor, he knew it was a comedy show. It's general knowledge for people under 90 years of age. It was when he came off looking so silly that he said he thought it was a regular news program. Even assuming he didn't know about it beforehand, we had to sign a release before the interview."^[44]

Expensive daily commute

During July and part of August 2007, Illinois lawmakers were in a deadlock over approving a state budget.^[45] In light of this, Blagojevich came under criticism for choosing to take daily, expensive commutes between his Chicago home and his office in Springfield rather than stay in the Governor's Mansion in Springfield during the budget crisis. The round trip on a state plane costs nearly $6,000, and Blagojevich made the trip nine times between May 22 and June 7, costing Illinois taxpayers more than $75,000 according to state transportation records.^[46] The St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that a commercial round-trip flight between Springfield and Chicago can be had on short notice for between $500 and $700.^[46] State senator Chris Lauzen noted that the cost was more than a teacher's annual salary.^[47] Blagojevich's office refused to answer questions pertaining to the flights.^[47] However, after ridicule from lawmakers, voters, and editorial cartoonists, he stopped the daily flights home.^[37] Chris Lauzen is a Republican member of the Illinois State Senate representing the 25th district. ...

Blagojevich had earlier criticized state lawmakers for not working five days a week, with his spokeswoman saying, "Everyone in America works five days a week and is expected to put in full-time work in order to complete their jobs" on June 4. Travel records showed that Blagojevich had flown into Springfield in May and June an average of three days a week, arriving about noon and sometimes staying for as little as three hours before returning to Chicago.^[46]

As Governor of Illinois, Blagojevich is entitled to live in the Illinois Executive Mansion, located in the state capital. However, he and his family have opted to remain in Chicago. One reason he gave was an unwillingness to move his infant daughter away from home. In the governor's absence, the Illinois Times, a newspaper based in Springfield, held a satirical contest in 2003 for readers to decide how the mansion should be used. Suggestions ranged from using it as a hotel or homeless shelter to converting it to a "house of ill repute."^[48] The Blagojevich family has shunned the use of the Mansion even for one-night stays.^[46] Past Governors have lived in Springfield or have at least stayed there during legislative sessions.^[47] The Illinois Executive Mansion is the official residence of the governor of Illinois. ... Illinois Times is a weekly newspaper based in Springfield, Illinois. ... For other uses, see Hotel (disambiguation). ... Homeless shelters are residences for people, the homeless, in urban neighborhoods to stay temporarily when they otherwise would have to sleep on the street, similar to emergency shelters. ... A brothel, also known as a bordello or whorehouse, is an establishment specifically dedicated to prostitution, providing the prostitutes a place to meet and to have sex with the clients. ...

Political positions

Gun control

Governor Blagojevich is a long time supporter of gun control. He has tried to raise the price of an Illinois Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card from $5.00 to $500.00, saying that such a large increase was necessary so people would think twice about wanting to own a gun.^[49] Blagojevich vetoed 3 gun bills in 2005, which would have: It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Gun politics. ...

1. Eliminated the police database of gun purchases
2. Eliminated the waiting period for someone wanting to buy a rifle or shotgun, when trading in a previously owned weapon
3. Overridden local laws regulating transport of firearms.^[50]

This position has been criticized by the Illinois State Rifle Association: "Rod should spend more time catching criminals and less time controlling guns." His support for tightening the gun laws of Illinois has earned him the ire of gun owners' groups. For other uses, see Rifle (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Shotgun (disambiguation). ...

State spending

Gov. Blagojevich has been criticized for using what his opponents call "gimmicks" to balance the state budget. Republicans have also claimed that he is simply passing the state's fiscal problems on to future generations by borrowing his way to balanced budgets. Indeed, the 2005 state budget called for paying the bills by shortening a state employees' pension fund by $1.2 billion.

In addition, Blagojevich has been criticized for rapidly expanding the role of Illinois state government, despite current difficulties in funding existing programs.^[51]

In May 2003, Blagojevich passed a series of measures aimed at raising revenue from businesses around the state to help balance his budget. Among the new sources were a 10-fold to 20-fold increase to automobile dealer license fees and a measure to make businesses print their own tax forms (and all other state forms). These measures are considered controversial because they caused a greatly increased financial burden on small business without attracting much public attention. ^[52]

Additionally, Blagojevich has been criticized for his handling of the 2007 state budget. In particular, critics cited his unprecedented use of line-item and reduction vetoes to remove his political opponents' "member initiatives" from the budget bill.^[53],^[54],^[55]

Health care

In October 2005, Blagojevich created two new government agencies and signed the All Kids health insurance bill into law. The bill, obligates Illinois to provide affordable, comprehensive health insurance to every child in the state.

In spring 2007, Blagojevich proposed a $7.6 billion dollar tax increase, with proceeds earmarked to provide universal healthcare in Illinois. The plan, a gross receipts tax on businesses, would have been the largest tax increase in state history. When it became apparent that the plan would be defeated, Blagojevich announced that supporters should vote against it. It was defeated by a vote of 107-0,^[56], [12]</ref> which the Associated Press termed "jaw-dropping."^[37]

Blagojevich issued an executive order in 2004 requiring pharmacists in the state to dispense "morning after" birth control medication, even if they object on moral or religious grounds. This order was not well received by some pharmacists.(see ^[57]) Later in 2007, opponents of the Governor's executive order reached a settlement with the state, causing partial removal of the order. The settlement, which followed the Illinois Supreme Court's decision in September 2007 to hear an appeal of a lawsuit challenging the executive order, allowed pharmacists to decline to dispense birth control, so long as they provided information to customers about pharmacists who did.^[58]

2006 re-election

See also: Illinois gubernatorial election, 2006

During 2005–2006, he served as Federal Liaison for the Democratic Governors Association. Numerous scandals brought the Governor's approval rating as low as 36%, with 56% "disapproving" near the end of 2005 ^[59] It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with 2006 Election for statewide offices in the State of Illinois. ... The Democratic Governors Association is a Washington, D.C.-based organization founded in 1983, consisting of U.S. state and territorial governors affiliated with the Democratic Party. ...

By early 2006, five Republicans ran in the primary for the right to challenge him in the general election, with state treasurer Judy Baar Topinka eventually winning the nomination. Judy Baar Topinka. ...

Blagojevich formally launched his 2006 re-election campaign for Governor of Illinois on February 19, 2006. He defeated challenger Edwin Eisendrath in the Democratic Party primary election on March 21. [[Media:Italic text]]{| style=float:right; |- | |- | |} is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Edwin Eisendrath served as the alderman of the 43rd ward of Chicago, serving the Lincoln Park area. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  Politics Portal      Further information: Politics of the United States#Organization of American political parties The Democratic... is the 80th day of the year (81st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

On November 7, he was declared winner in the re-election campaign against challengers Judy Baar Topinka and Rich Whitney. is the 311th day of the year (312th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Judy Baar Topinka. ... Rich Whitney in 2006 Wikisource has original text related to this article: The_Times_Demand_Change Rich Whitney is an Illinois politician and the Illinois Green Partys candidate for Governor of Illinois in 2006. ...

Electoral history

Type Bicameral Speaker of the House of Representatives House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, (D) since January 4, 2007 Steny Hoyer, (D) since January 4, 2007 House Minority Leader John Boehner, (R) since January 4, 2007 Members 435 plus 4 Delegates and 1 Resident Commissioner Political groups Democratic Party Republican Party... Illinois 5th congressional district is a United States Congressional District that covers the north side of Chicago and parts of Cook County. ... The U.S. House election, 1996 was an election for the United States House of Representatives in 1996 which coincided with the re-election of Bill Clinton as President. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  Politics Portal      Further information: Politics of the United States#Organization of American political parties The Democratic... Michael Dennis Patrick Flanagan (born November 9, 1963) is an Illinois politician. ... GOP redirects here. ... The U.S. House election, 1998 was the midterm Congressional election during President Bill Clintons second term. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  Politics Portal      Further information: Politics of the United States#Organization of American political parties The Democratic... GOP redirects here. ... The elections for the United States House of Representatives in 2000 coincided with the disputed election of George W. Bush as President. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  Politics Portal      Further information: Politics of the United States#Organization of American political parties The Democratic... The Libertarian Party is an American political party founded on December 11, 1971. ... The Governor of Illinois is the chief executive of the State of Illinois and the various agencies and departments over which the officer has jurisdiction, as prescribed in the state constitution. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  Politics Portal      Further information: Politics of the United States#Organization of American political parties The Democratic... Jim Ryan (the great!) served as Illinois Attorney General from 1995 to 2003. ... GOP redirects here. ... The Libertarian Party is an American political party founded on December 11, 1971. ... Federal courts Supreme Court Circuit Courts of Appeal District Courts Elections Presidential elections Midterm elections Political Parties Democratic Republican Third parties State & Local government Governors Legislatures (List) State Courts Local Government Other countries Atlas  Politics Portal      Further information: Politics of the United States#Organization of American political parties The Democratic... Judy Baar Topinka. ... GOP redirects here. ... Rich Whitney in 2006 Wikisource has original text related to this article: The_Times_Demand_Change Rich Whitney is an Illinois politician and the Illinois Green Partys candidate for Governor of Illinois in 2006. ... This article is about the American political party, Green Party. ...

References

• Il. Gov. creates Office of New Americans Policy and Advocacy
• Gov. Blagojevich signs law creating new Illinois Juvenile Justice Department

is the 68th day of the year (69th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ... The Chicago Sun-Times is an American daily newspaper published in Chicago. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 81st day of the year (82nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 115th day of the year (116th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Associated Press, or AP, is an American news agency, the worlds largest such organization. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 197th day of the year (198th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 172nd day of the year (173rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Chicago Sun-Times is an American daily newspaper published in Chicago. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 157th day of the year (158th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 197th day of the year (198th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 54th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 198th day of the year (199th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2006 (MMVI) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 61st day of the year (62nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 198th day of the year (199th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 172nd day of the year (173rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 172nd day of the year (173rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... // The Chicago Tribune is a major daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois and owned by the Tribune Company. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... {| style=float:right; |- | |- | |} is the 235th day of the year (236th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Daily Southtown is a Chicago, Illinois newspaper that targets itself to the South Side neighborhoods of the city and a wide region of the south suburbs; its slogan is People Up North just dont get it (a pun). ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 239th day of the year (240th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 264th day of the year (265th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... // The Chicago Tribune is a major daily newspaper based in Chicago, Illinois and owned by the Tribune Company. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era in the 21st century. ... is the 284th day of the year (285th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 2008 (MMVIII) is the current year, a leap year that started on Tuesday of the Anno Domini (or common era), in accordance to the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 7th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ...

External links

• Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich official state site
• Follow the Money — Rod Blagojevich 2006 campaign contributions
• New York Times — Times Topics: Rod Blagojevich collected news and commentary
• On the Issues — Rod Blagojevich issue positions and quotes
• Project Vote Smart — Governor Rod R. Blagojevich profile
• Rod Blagojevich for Illinois official campaign site

Campaign Contribution to Friends of Blagojevich

http://www.elections.il.gov/CampaignDisclosure/CommitteeDetail.aspx?id=15550 "Contributions made in July 2003 ($10,000), June 2004($2,000) and October 2006 ($1,500).

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/iln/hot/us_v_rezko_exhibits/2008_03_07/fob_chart_1.pdf "Rezko Donation Chart 2001 to 2004"

U.S. Representative 1997–2003

• Rod Blagojevich at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• Washington Post — Congress Votes Database: Rod Blagojevich voting record 1997–2003
• Federal Election Commission — Rod Blagojevich campaign finance reports and data 2001–2002
• OpenSecrets.org — Rod Blagojevich campaign contributions 2002
• [13]

v • d • e Government of Illinois
Governor Rod Blagojevich (D)
Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn (D)
Attorney General Lisa Madigan (D)
Secretary of State Jesse White (D)
Comptroller Daniel Hynes (D)
Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias (D)

v • d • e Governors of Illinois
Bond • Coles • Edwards • Reynolds • Ewing • Duncan • Carlin • Ford • French • Matteson • Bissell • Wood • Yates • Oglesby • Palmer • Oglesby • Beveridge • Cullom • Hamilton • Oglesby • Fifer • Altgeld • Tanner • Yates • Deneen • Dunne • Lowden • Small • Emmerson • Horner • Stelle • Green • Stevenson • Stratton • Kerner • Shapiro • Ogilvie • Walker • Thompson • Edgar • Ryan • Blagojevich

v • d • e Current Government of Illinois Statewide Elected Officials
Senior United States Senator Junior United States Senator	Richard Durbin Barack Obama
Governor of Illinois Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Illinois Attorney General Secretary of State of Illinois Comptroller of Illinois Treasurer of Illinois	Rod Blagojevich Pat Quinn Lisa Madigan Jesse White Daniel Hynes Alexi Giannoulias
Senate President Majority Leader Minority Leader	Emil Jones Debbie Halvorson Frank Watson
House Speaker House Majority Leader House Minority Leader	Michael Madigan Barbara Flynn Currie Tom Cross