How Corrupt Are Illinois Politics? Let Us Count the Ways

By Susie Moore | 10:15 AM on November 25, 2019

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https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/Michael_Madigan.png by illinoislawmakers [CC BY 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0)]

As regular readers know, I’m a proud Missourian — even though Missouri can, at times, give Florida a run for its money in the hashtag follies. I did, however, live in Illinois for three years (during law school) and, given its close proximity (i.e., I can literally see it out my office window), I have more than a passing interest in the goings-on in the Land of Lincoln.

I’ve written about Illinois politics previously. (READ: “Fight for Your Home” – Illinois Taxpayers Revolt; Illinois Has a New Governor.) Local radio host Annie Frey (mentioned in that first article) resides in Illinois and frequently covers Illinois-related topics during her mid-day show. (Which makes sense, given that a significant portion of her listening audience are Illinoisans, too.) As a regular listener myself, I’ve become acquainted with the Illinois Policy Institute – one of her go-to resources on (you guessed it) Illinois policy issues.

While national politics tend to grab headlines and our attention on a daily (hourly) basis, there is no shortage of intrigue going on in our statehouses. Missouri is no exception. But Illinois seemingly goes above and beyond in the corruption department. (“Corruption in Illinois” has its own Wikipedia page. And how many states can boast that four of their last seven governors have served jail time?!)

Still, I was struck by this piece by the IPI:

Senate President John Cullerton announces retirement amid sweeping Illinois corruption probe

Cullerton and House Speaker Mike Madigan have held office in the Illinois General Assembly for nearly 90 years combined.

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, announced Nov. 14 that he will retire from office in January 2020.

Cullerton has held a seat in the Illinois General Assembly for 40 years.

….

Cullerton’s retirement comes amid one of the most wide-ranging federal corruption investigations in state history, which has ensnared three Democratic state senators with leadership positions: Tom Cullerton, Martin Sandoval and Terry Link. Nearly 30 politically connected individuals and businesses across Illinois have been questioned, targeted, investigated, arrested, indicted or convicted as part of law enforcement’s anti-corruption activity in Illinois in 2019. (emphasis added)

The IPI article sets out the allegations against the three senators in more detail and further points out that (John) Cullerton will benefit handsomely (to the tune of six-figures after one year of retirement) from the pension system he helped shape. (Let’s not forget that Illinois currently has a serious pension crisis.)

So, to review, Illinois — in addition to having 4 of its recent governors who’ve served time — presently has 3 state senators — and 30 politically-connected individuals and businesses — caught up in federal corruption investigations. Forget “the Chicago way” — “the Springfield way” seems intent on putting that meme to shame.