The summerlong trial of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has ended, but the saga surrounding the allegations against him promises to continue into the foreseeable future with a second trial expected. The charges against the former governor and the trial have raised Illinois' "culture of corruption" to national prominence, but it will take more than this one example to finally change that culture, according to Robert F. Rich, director of the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs. He was interviewed by News Bureau business and law editor Jan Dennis.
Will the Blagojevich trial finally bring real change to curb corruption in Illinois government?
No, the Blagojevich trial by itself will not bring an end to corrupt practices in Illinois government. We as a state need to focus on a set of initiatives to bring about long-term change in the political culture. This change will not be brought about simply through legislative changes or a set of prosecutions. It will involve introducing innovative curriculum for civics and ethics at the elementary, secondary and college levels; it will also involve initiatives by political parties and increased vigilance by consumer groups to questions of openness and transparency. To change the political culture, we need to focus beyond government alone to business, educational institutions and the not-for-profit sector. Citizens need to regain confidence and trust in our elected officials.
I do believe, however, that the trial has highlighted problems with corruption in government. It is also true that the state of Illinois has, over the past several years, taken measures to positively affect the political climate in Illinois through new ethics legislation, campaign finance reform and initiatives to increase openness and transparency in government. Illinois is not alone in needing to address problems related to political corruption. This is an issue in many states, at the national level, and internationally as well, such as in China.
Does the fact that the jury found former Gov. Blagojevich guilty of only one charge and could not decide on the other 23 charges do anything to slow or stop progress toward higher integrity among public officials?
This one count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. In other words, this is a serious verdict. However, I think the prosecution, the defense and the public are ALL frustrated with the outcome. This verdict could make citizens even more cynical about all institutions of government and could make people wonder about what was going on with this jury, especially when the vote on one of the most serious charges (i.e., racketeering) apparently was 11-1. But, I also think the majority of people will favor another trial, because people will want to see a definite outcome. In addition, there will continue to be pressure in Illinois to look at a variety of "better government" initiatives, including more campaign finance reform, recall provisions, term-limit initiatives and continued measures to increase openness in government.
Why has ethics reform moved so slowly, despite the high-profile case against Blagojevich and earlier corruption convictions that jailed former governors George Ryan and Otto Kerner?
Ethics reform has moved so slowly in Illinois because of how deeply corruption and questionable ethical practices are rooted in the political culture of this state. States like Wisconsin and Minnesota, for example, have long-traditions of populism and good government - ethical behavior by public officials is the norm in those states. Citizens simply do not accept practices that are often seen as normal in Illinois. Our state has only recently pursued meaningful ethics reform, and our package is much more limited than many states.
The Illinois political culture has been very permissive in terms of public officials influencing hiring practices and other decision-making extending well beyond government. Some public officials feel they are entitled to have a major influence that extends well beyond what statutes and formal rules specify. I recall a press conference where former Mayor Richard J. Daley responded to a question about the city of Chicago's insurance business going to his son's firm, saying: "What father wouldn't want to help his son?" Citizens have come to expect this from public officials and they accept this as regular practice. It is only in the last few years that there have been demands for change from both sides of the political aisle.
Do citizens share responsibility for a system that has allowed corruption to flourish?
Citizens definitely share responsibility for the current political culture in Illinois. We, as citizens, are accountable because we have the power to vote officials in and out of office. The ultimate "term-limit" is an election; no one is forcing us to continue to re-elect the same people every election. Moreover, citizens and citizen groups can and should put pressure on elected officials to change laws and, even more importantly, to adopt regular practices which contribute to the development of our political culture.
We can help bring about change through our schools, the political parties, citizen groups/lobbies, and our voting practices. As already indicated, change in the political culture can begin with statutory changes, but needs to extend to daily behavior.
In addition, the news media can play a very important role in highlighting unethical practices, highlighting the agenda of reform groups and helping to foster and develop needed changes in our political culture.