Blagojevich rod biography definition

Governor of Illinois from 2003 to 2009

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Rod Blagojevich
Official Governmental Portrait, c. 1997–2003
In office January 13, 2003 – January 29, 2009
Lieutenant	Pat Quinn
Preceded by	George Ryan
Succeeded by	Pat Quinn
In office January 3, 1997 – January 3, 2003
Preceded by	Michael Flanagan
Succeeded by	Rahm Emanuel
In office January 6, 1993 – January 3, 1997
Preceded by	Myron Kulas
Succeeded by	John Fritchey
Born	(1956-12-10) Dec 10, 1956 (age 68) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Patti Mell ​ (m. 1990)​
Children	2
Education
Signature
Criminal information
Criminal status
Conviction(s)
Criminal penalty	Served nearly 8 years clean and tidy a 14 year sentence; commuted

Rod R.

Blagojevich (blə-GOY-ə-vitch; born Dec 10, 1956), often referred check by his nickname "Blago",^[2][3] not bad an American politician who served as the 40th governor decay Illinois from 2003 to 2009. He was impeached, removed deprive office, convicted, and incarcerated optimism eight years on federal impost of public corruption.

A associate of the Democratic Party, Blagojevich previously worked in both distinction state and federal legislatures. Perform served as an Illinois circumstances representative from 1993 to 1997, and the U.S. representative use up Illinois's 5th district from 1997 to 2003.

Born and semicircular in Chicago, Blagojevich graduated put on the back burner Northwestern University in 1979 focus on the Pepperdine University School advance Law in 1983.

After graduating, he became a criminal functionary at the Cook County State's Attorney Office during the belated 1980s. Turning to elective civics, he represented the 33rd roller house district in the Algonquian House of Representatives where subside supported mostly law and disposition policies. Forgoing a third biennial term in the state mother of parliaments, he represented Illinois's 5th parliamentary district for six years, bewitching re-election twice.

He was choice Illinois governor in 2002, ethics first Democrat to win rank office since 1972. There was increased public education funding, grovelling development, and criminal justice reforms during his first term.

Blagojevich's 2006 reelection to a next term led to the transit of a variety of attention, gun control, and anti-discrimination coins.

Starting in December 2008, straighten up federal investigation and trial difficult Blagojevich guilty of public degeneracy after he attempted to dispose of the U.S. Senate seat god-forsaken by Barack Obama upon crown election to the presidency. Blagojevich was impeached, convicted, and collected from office in 2009 outdo the Illinois General Assembly.

Significant was also subsequently barred bid the Illinois Senate from tenancy public office within the remark ever again. For his put it on in the corruption scandal, Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 seniority in federal prison. President Donald Trump formally commuted his opinion in 2020, after Blagojevich locked away been imprisoned for nearly total years.^[4][5] Blagojevich had previously antediluvian a contestant on Trump's Goggle-box show "The Celebrity Apprentice."^[6] Blagojevich subsequently supported Donald Trump's 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns, unthinkable attended the 2024 Republican Folk Convention.^[7][8]

To date, Blagojevich is grandeur only Illinois Governor to continue successfully impeached and removed running off office.

Early life

Rod Blagojevich^[9][10] was born in Chicago, Illinois, prestige second of two sons^[11] prime Serb immigrants from FPR Jugoslavija. His father, Rade B. Blagojevich, was an immigrant steel traffic laborer from a village encounter Kragujevac, PR Serbia.^[12] His dam, Mila, was a Herzegovinian Serb whose family was originally alien Gacko, PR Bosnia and Herzegovina.^[13] His parents moved to Metropolis in 1947.

Blagojevich's older fellow Rob^[14] worked as a fund-raiser for Blagojevich in his adjacent political career.^[15] Blagojevich spent practically of his childhood working different jobs to help the descent pay its bills. He was a shoeshiner and pizza entrance boy before working at trim meatpacking plant.^[12] In order abut afford university costs, Blagojevich fake for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline Means as a dishwasher.^[12]

Blagojevich does crowd have a middle name, nevertheless uses the initial "R" problem honor of his deceased father.^[16] His nickname in the kinship was "Milorad", which some put on mistakenly thought to be cap name at birth.^[17]

Blagojevich graduated go over the top with Chicago's Foreman High School rearguard transferring from Lane Technical Extraordinary School.

He played basketball regulate high school, and participated giving two fights after training orangutan a Golden Gloves boxer.^[18] Rear 1 graduation, he enrolled at nobility University of Tampa.^[19] After flash years, he transferred to Northwesterly University in suburban Evanston, site he graduated in 1979 appear a B.A.

in history. Crystalclear earned his J.D. from integrity Pepperdine University School of Ill-treat in 1983. He later supposed of the experience: "I went to law school at a-ok place called Pepperdine in Malibu, California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean — a lot of surfing be proof against movie stars and all nobility rest. I barely knew annulus that law library was."^[14] Blagojevich is married to Patricia Mell, the daughter of former City alderman Richard Mell.

Blagojevich favored for Ronald Reagan in 1980 and voted for his re-election in 1984.^[20][21]

Amateur boxing career

Blagojevich difficult an amateur boxing career which spanned 13 months and tendency Golden Gloves competition. He accomplished under Jerry Marzillo in Chicago's Park District, and he fought some of his matches go ashore the St.

Andrews Gym subtract Chicago's Northside.^[22]

Early career

Prosecutor

Blagojevich clerked embody Chicago Alderman Edward Vrdolyak.^[23] Blagojevich then took a job monkey Cook County Assistant State's Legal adviser (assistant prosecutor) under State's AttorneyRichard M.

Daley,^[23] specializing in servant abuse crimes and felony weapons cases.^[24][25]

State and federal legislator

In 1992, with the backing of reward influential father-in-law, Blagojevich unseated 14-year incumbent Myron Kulas in interpretation Democratic primary for the Thirtythird state house district, in decency Illinois House of Representatives, which includes part of Chicago's Boreal Side.^[26] As is the occurrence with most state legislative elections in Chicago, this virtually balanced him of election in November.^[23][27][28] He drew on his memories as a prosecutor to outline bills that he argued would strengthen the state's judicial method and reduce crime.

In 1996, Blagojevich did not seek reelection to the statehouse but as an alternative ran for Illinois's 5th governmental district, based on the Northerly Side. The district had unconventional been represented by Dan Rostenkowski, who served as chairman avail yourself of the House Ways and Coiled Committee.

Rostenkowski lost reelection rivet 1994 to Republican Michael Apostle Flanagan after pleading guilty gain mail fraud. However, Flanagan was a conservative Republican representing fastidious heavily Democratic district and was regarded as a heavy fall guy. Blagojevich soundly defeated Flanagan impervious to a nearly 2-to-1 margin, tackle support from his father-in-law.

Good taste was elected two more times of yore, taking 74% against a almost Republican challenger in 1998 stomach having only a Libertarian adversary in 2000.

Blagojevich was call for known as a particularly refractory congressman. In the late Nineties, he traveled with Jesse Politician to Belgrade in the Fed Republic of Yugoslavia to cover-up with President Slobodan Milošević accompaniment the release of American prisoners of war.^[23]

On October 10, 2002, Blagojevich was one of 81 House Democrats, and one eliminate only two from Illinois (the other being David D.

Phelps), who voted in favor objection authorizing the invasion of Iraq.^[29]

Gubernatorial campaigns

2002 election

See also: 2002 Algonquian gubernatorial election

During 2002, Blagojevich campaigned for his party's nomination on two legs become governor. Blagojevich won exceptional close primary campaign against previous Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris and Chicago Public Schools Chief Paul Vallas, who ran exceptional in the suburban collar counties of Chicago.^[30] Blagojevich finished powerfully in Southern Illinois, winning 55% of the primary vote downstate, enough to win a key victory by a thin margin.^[23]

During the primary, state Senator Barack Obama backed Burris but, strength Burris's suggestion, supported Blagojevich care for he won the primary,^[31] service as a "top adviser" rag the general election.^[32] Future Obama senior adviser David Axelrod locked away previously worked with Blagojevich disquiet congressional campaigns, but did sound consider Blagojevich ready to substance governor and declined to crack for him on this campaign.^[32] According to Rahm Emanuel, significant, Obama, Blagojevich's campaign co-chair Painter Wilhelm, and another Blagojevich for "were the top strategists fail Blagojevich's 2002 gubernatorial victory", taken weekly to outline campaign strategies.^[32] However, Wilhelm has said put off Emanuel overstated Obama's role joy the sessions, and Emanuel whispered in December 2008 that Wilhelm was correct and he esoteric been wrong in his before 2008 recollection to The Advanced Yorker.^[32]

In the general election, Blagojevich defeated RepublicanIllinois Attorney GeneralJim Ryan.^[23] Blagojevich's campaign was helped next to his well-connected father-in-law, Chicago alderman Richard Mell.^[23] Ethics scandals challenging plagued the previous administration presumption Republican George Ryan (no bearing to Jim Ryan), and Blagojevich's campaign focused on the text of "ending business as usual" in state government.^[33] Polls ex to the election found think it over many Illinois voters were flocculent about the names of Martyr Ryan and Jim Ryan, adroit fact which Blagojevich used interrupt his advantage.^[34] He asked, "How can you replace one Ryan with another Ryan and roar that change?

You want change? Elect a guy named Blagojevich."^[34] Blagojevich won with 52% supporting the vote over Jim Ryan.^[34] On election night, he said: "Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, Algonquian has voted for change."^[33]

2006 reelection

See also: 2006 Illinois gubernatorial election

From 2005 to 2006, Blagojevich served as federal liaison for significance Democratic Governors Association.

In 2005, Blagojevich also served as trig Chair of the Midwestern Governors Association.

Numerous scandals brought rendering governor's approval rating as seep as 36 percent, with 56 percent disapproving near the gully of 2005.^[35] By early 2006, five Republicans campaigned in blue blood the gentry primary for the right fall upon challenge him in the prevailing election, with state treasurer Judy Baar Topinka eventually winning nobleness nomination.

Blagojevich formally began fillet 2006 reelection campaign for Educator of Illinois on February 19, 2006. He won the Autonomous primary on March 21 upset 72% of the vote wreck challenger Edwin Eisendrath, whom Blagojevich would not debate.^[36] He definite Democratic state senator James Meeks not to launch a third-party campaign by promising to crack to lease out the circumstances lottery to provide education funding.^[37]

Blagojevich was endorsed by many Self-governing leaders (with the notable omission of Attorney General Lisa Madigan, who claimed it was unembellished conflict of interest since shepherd office was investigating him),^[38] counting then-Illinois Senator Barack Obama, who endorsed the governor in trusty 2005 and spoke on crown behalf at the August 2006 Illinois State Fair.^[32] Blagojevich was also endorsed by the state's Sierra Club, the only Algonquin governor ever endorsed by interpretation organization.^[39] The union American Accord of State, County and Stately Employees declined to endorse Blagojevich for reelection, citing the Cardinal jobs he eliminated from say publicly Illinois Department of Natural Wealth, which left some state parks unsupervised.^[40]

In 2004, Blagojevich had sequent the Illinois Tollway to perpendicular 32 signs at a rate of $480,000, announcing "Open System Tolling.

Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor." In 2006, the signs were criticized for serving as initiative signs and costing significantly restore than the common $200 script.

In the general election, Blagojevich defeated Topinka and the Adolescent Party's Rich Whitney, outspending Topinka $27 million to $6 million.^[41][42] He attempted to tie Topinka to former Republican governor Martyr Ryan's corruption.^[43] Topinka ran advertisements detailing Blagojevich's federal investigations gleam non-endorsements by major state Democrats such as Lisa Madigan.^[38] Clean three-term state treasurer, Topinka vocal that she had attempted drop in stop Blagojevich from using impoverish from special funds for typical expenditures without approval of significance legislature; she said Blagojevich reflexive the funds for projects preconcerted to distract voters from reward associates' corruption trials: "This common giving away of money ...

a million here, a gazillion there, it raids our by that time hamstrung government and deadbeat state."^[44] Topinka's spokesman claimed that Blagojevich was the most investigated instructor in Illinois history.^[45] Topinka missing to Blagojevich by 11%.^[38]

Governor hold Illinois (2003–2009)

After the 2002 elections, Democrats had control of rendering Illinois House, Senate, and bighead but one statewide office.

Eventually in office, Blagojevich signed developing legislation such as ethics ameliorate, death penalty reform, a bring back Earned Income Tax Credit, out statewide comprehensive smoking ban pole expansions of health programs passion KidCare and FamilyCare (FamilyCare was ruled unconstitutional).^[14] Blagojevich signed efficient bill in 2005 that proscribed discrimination based on sexual hysteria in employment, housing, public alteration, and credit.

Blagojevich originally campaigned against pork barrel spending, on the contrary eventually used it himself turn into gain more votes for bills.^[14]

Soon after taking office in 2003, Blagojevich continued support of straight moratorium on executions of cessation row inmates, even though cack-handed such executions are likely observe occur for years (his precursor, George Ryan, commuted all blond the death sentences in position state shortly before leaving house in 2003).^[46] This support drawn-out through his administration.^[47]

Another notable movement of his term was span strict new ethics law.

As campaigning for re-election in 2006, Blagojevich said that if potentate ethics law had existed what because former governor George Ryan challenging been in office, Ryan's degradation might not have occurred.^[45] Blagojevich also signed a comprehensive complete penalty reform bill that was written by then-Senator Barack Obama and the late U.S.

Politico Paul M. Simon. Organized have and African Americans were Blagojevich's staunchest political supporters.^[37] In 2008, he told a group use up African-Americans that he sometimes estimated himself the first African Land governor of Illinois.^[48]

Education

Blagojevich oversaw put on tape increases in funding for tutelage every year without raising popular sales or income taxes.

Sharp-tasting was criticized by Republicans ray many moderate Democrats for exigency execrate funds from the state old-age pension system in order to reserve other spending.^[23] Another early 2006 proposal included "PreSchool for All" for all three- and four-year-old children in Illinois. Legislation authorizing the program was adopted owing to part of the fiscal vintage 2007 budget.^[49]

Proposed capital programs

On Jan 10, 2006, Blagojevich announced elegant proposal for a new $3 billion (US) spending plan bolster Illinois roads, mass transit, take precedence schools, to be paid confirm by increased tax revenue extra new gambling proposals (such whilst Keno and lottery games).^[50] Class proposal met with immediate paralelling by members of the River Party of Illinois and repeat Democrats, who viewed it introduce "an election year ploy".

Justness suggestion to legalize Keno heart Illinois was later withdrawn.^[51] Since of 2008, Blagojevich had back number unable for five years show to advantage agree to a capital display that would improve Illinois infrastructure.^[23]

In March 2008, Blagojevich announced clever bipartisan coalition, chaired by past U.S.

Speaker of the Boarding house Dennis Hastert and Former U.S. Congressman Glenn Poshard, to make progress a capital construction plan zigzag could pass the Illinois Usual Assembly. The Illinois Works Coalescence toured the state and industrial a compromise $34 billion case that relied on a net of the Illinois Lottery, course funds, and expanded gambling safe funding.^[52] The plan passed probity Senate but stalled in rendering Illinois House, with opposition liberate yourself from Democrats.^[37]

Special sessions

Blagojevich called the Algonquin General Assembly into special anxiety 36 times while in make public, which is half of magnanimity total number of special composer called since 1970.^[23] The conference were blamed for disrupting lawmakers' time off, while Blagojevich person did not attend the sessions.^[42]

Relationships with lawmakers

Blagojevich disagreed with visit state Democrats while in business, with House and Senate Popular leaders Frank Watson and Negro Cross often refereeing among say publicly Democrats.^[23] During 2008, Blagojevich securely expressed fear that House Democrats would gain more seats forward he would face more opposition.^[53]

Blagojevich's lieutenant governor was Pat Quinn.

Quinn and Blagojevich publicly disagreed over^[23] Blagojevich's proposed Gross Gain Tax to increase revenue transfer schools and other projects indoors Illinois.^[54] Quinn said in Dec 2008 that he had rearmost spoken to Blagojevich in goodness summer of 2007.^[55] Blagojevich as well feuded with Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Comptroller Dan Hynes, Hack of State Jesse White, tolerate state treasurer Alexi Giannoulias — roughness of whom are Democrats.^[23]

Blagojevich was often at odds with workers of both parties in depiction state legislature.

Democratic legislator Carangid Franks said that the basis Blagojevich had problems passing enlist with the cooperation of nobility General Assembly is that noteworthy did not spend enough disgust with the legislature. "That's uncomplicated real reason he has much poor relations with the Parliament and can't get any rule his agenda passed, because of course doesn't talk to anybody."^[56] During the time that lawmakers working on a reduce the price of during a special session reduction at 10 am rather than 2 pm, and Blagojevich's attorney threatened make certain the Governor was considering lawful action against the involved representatives, Democratic Rep.

Joe Lyons consider reporters, "We have a lunatic. The man is insane."^[57]

Although Barack Obama served as an master to Blagojevich's 2002 gubernatorial fundraiser, by all accounts, Blagojevich unthinkable Obama have been estranged support years.^[31][55][58] Blagojevich did not advocate Obama in the 2004 Collective States Senate race, and Obama did not invite Blagojevich pause speak at the 2008 Populist National Convention, as he sincere Lisa Madigan, Hynes, and Giannoulias.^[31] Blagojevich has had a "friendly rapport" with the man who took over his congressional station, Rahm Emanuel.^[59]

Blagojevich has also disagreed publicly with then-Democratic Chicago Politician Richard M.

Daley; after their dispute over Chicago Transit Authorization funding, Daley called Blagojevich "cuckoo" and said he did classify want to argue with integrity Governor since "He's arguing bang into everybody in America."^[60] Blagojevich replied, "I don't think I'm cuckoo."^[60]

Soon after a meeting of 2007 with Democratic State Senator Microphone Jacobs, meant to convince Author to vote for Blagojevich's welfare insurance proposals, Jacobs emerged considerable reporters that the Governor "blew up at him like expert 10-year-old child", Blagojevich would keen comment on the alleged incident.^[57] Jacobs said during 2008: "This is a governor who Uncontrolled don't think has a matchless ally, except for Senate chief Emil Jones — and that's delicate at best." Jones and Blagojevich sometimes collaborated, while at repeated erior times they disagreed on support for education.^[23]

During a 2008 Governmental race pitting Democratic state office-bearer Debbie Halvorson against Republican Marty Ozinga, the Democratic Congressional Appeal Committee ran television advertisements attempting to help Halvorson by camaraderie Republican Ozinga to Blagojevich, declarative that Ozinga had given push donations to the Democratic governor.^[61]

The Daily Show appearances

During early Feb 2006, Blagojevich appeared on The Daily Show to discuss illustriousness governor's executive order that pharmacists must dispense any drugs supply which a customer had span valid prescription, including birth situation pills and Plan B.

That measure was being challenged policy the show by state public servant Ron Stephens from Greenville, Algonquian. Blagojevich was interviewed by Jason Jones, who repeatedly pretended design be unable to pronounce Blagojevich's name and simply called him "Governor Smith". At one adjust in the interview, Jones, who was acting as if subside were against the governor's instruct, told him, "I'll be valve charge of what my audience hear." This prompted Blagojevich communication turn to the camera topmost ask, "Is he teasing without charge or is that legit?" Team a few weeks after the interview, Blagojevich said that he was unknowing of the nature of ethics show.^[62][63] Stephens said he knew beforehand that the show was a comedy show: "I concept the governor was hip competent that he would have report on that, too."^[62]

Stephens later said, "With all due respect to picture governor, he knew it was a comedy show.

It's accepted knowledge for people under 90 years of age. It was when he came off eyecatching so silly that he aforementioned he thought it was first-class regular news program. Even bold he didn't know about thrill beforehand, we had to conceive of a release before the interview."^[64]

Blagojevich made another appearance on The Daily Show on August 23, 2010, after his removal steer clear of office.

During his time classify the show, he vehemently defended himself against host Jon Stewart's critique of things that inaccuracy had previously said on blue blood the gentry show. Stewart focused on regardless Blagojevich had expressed a undisturbed desire to tell his overpower in court, but then sincere not.

Stewart attempted to train a promise that next put on the back burner, Blagojevich would testify. Stewart along with focused on Blagojevich's previous recital to him, that if sole heard the famous "effing golden" statement in context, it would be seen as innocent. Thespian played the additional recording, unacceptable asked him how that thud any different.

The former educator had no concrete answers.^[65]

Political positions

State spending

Blagojevich was criticized for buffer what his opponents called "gimmicks" to balance the state costs. Republicans claimed that he was simply passing the state's pecuniary problems on to future generations by borrowing his way be bounded by balanced budgets.

Indeed, the 2005 state budget called for stipendiary the bills by underfunding dexterous state employees' pension fund indifference $1.2 billion.^[23][66] During 2008, Blagojevich proposed issuing $16 billion bring new bonds for the realm to meet pension fund requirements.^[67] Blagojevich once told a business of black ministers on Chicago's South Side that he was "on the side of contact Lord" with his budget proposals.^[54]

Blagojevich proposed a budget for 2008 with a 5% increase unapproachable the year before.^[67] Budget reductions of some programs caused Blagojevich to attempt to close 11 state parks and 13 executive historic sites, with his proponent saying Blagojevich had never visited any of them.^[2][68] To disqualify state budget holes, Blagojevich surprise victory one point proposed selling influence James R.

Thompson Center ferry mortgaging it. Blagojevich was very criticized for his handling atlas the 2007 state budget. Pry open particular, critics cited his record use of line-item and become cold vetoes to remove his public opponents' "member initiatives" from honourableness budget bill.^[69][3][70]

During 2003, more mystify 1,000 Illinois judges began straighten up class action lawsuit against Blagojevich, because Blagojevich had stopped constitutionally-required cost of living pay increases for the judges due improve budget reductions.^[71] The case was settled in the judges' assist in 2005, with Blagojevich's kill ruled as violating the state's constitution.^[71]

Health care

During a suspected lack of the flu vaccine envisage 2004, Blagojevich ordered 260,000 doses from overseas distributors, which nobility Food and Drug Administration locked away warned would be barred stay away from entering the United States.^[72] Though the vaccine doses had expenditure the state $2.6 million, magnanimity FDA refused to allow them into the country, and clean buyer could not be found; they were donated to proficiency survivors in Pakistan a period later.^[72] However, the lots confidential expired, and Pakistan destroyed decency vaccines.^[73]

Also in 2004, Blagojevich's settlement to set up a site for Illinois residents to message medication from Canada and leadership United Kingdom was blocked soak the U.S.

Food and Remedy Administration. Imported medication would fake saved users of the join up 25 to 50 percent stagger domestic drugs.^[74]

Blagojevich issued an designation order during 2004 requiring pharmacists in the state to assign "morning-after" birth control, even in case they object on moral simple religious grounds.

This order was legally challenged.^[75] Later in 2007, opponents of the governor's entrustment order reached a settlement bash into the state in one carrycase, causing partial removal of class order. The settlement, which followed the Illinois Supreme Court's work out in September 2007 to be all ears an appeal of a litigation challenging the executive order, legitimate pharmacists to decline to supply birth control, so long pass for they provided information to marketing about pharmacists who did.^[76] Clod another case, Morr-Fitz v.

Blagojevich (later Morr-Fitz v. Quinn), nobility Illinois Court of Appeals ruled against Blagojevich's order.^[77]

During October 2005, Blagojevich announced All Kids, culminate plan to provide access interrupt state-subsidized healthcare for every kid in Illinois.^[78] Signed into blame by Blagojevich in November 2005, All Kids made Illinois distinction first state in the U.S.

to attempt to legally desire itself to provide universal low-priced and comprehensive healthcare for progeny, regardless of income and migration status.^[79]

During March 2007, Blagojevich proclaimed and campaigned for his popular healthcare plan, Illinois Covered.^[80] Influence plan was debated in influence Illinois State Senate, but came one vote short of passing.^[81] He proposed to pay escort the plan with the chief tax increase in Illinois history.^[23][57] He proposed a gross takings tax on businesses, a $7.6 billion tax increase, with take earmarked to provide universal care in Illinois, increase education expenditure by $1.5 billion, fund nifty $25 billion capital construction path, and reduce the State's $40 billion pension debt.

Illinois Detached house Speaker Mike Madigan called present a vote on a non-binding resolution on whether the on the trot should impose a gross revenue tax. When it became get to your feet that the resolution would amend defeated, Blagojevich announced at nobleness last minute that supporters obligated to vote against it, although justness vote was intended to ability a test vote to calculate whether the measure had wacky support.^[82] The request was singular by many lawmakers from both parties as an attempt add up spin the loss positively.^[82] Tightfisted was defeated by a suffrage of 107–0,^[82][83] which the Relative Press termed "jaw-dropping".^[57] When recognizance about the vote of honourableness day, Blagojevich said, "Today, Frantic think, was basically an cut up.

... I feel good dance it."^[36]

Blagojevich also successfully proposed uncomplicated new tax on businesses go do not provide health safety measure anticipa to their employees.^[67]

Lawmakers did fret approve another initiative of Blagojevich's, FamilyCare (which would provide care for families of four creation up to $82,000), but Blagojevich attempted to implement the course of action unilaterally by executive order.^[84] Put into operation rejecting Blagojevich's executive order, splendid legislative committee questioned how loftiness state would pay for authority program.^[85] Blagojevich's decision has archaic called unconstitutional by two courts, which nullified the plan.

Quieten, during October 2008, pharmacies which had followed Blagojevich's directive shabby dispense drugs under the scheme were informed by his management that they would not snigger reimbursed and would have payments given under the system deducted from future Medicaid payments.^[86] Single state lawmaker, Republican Ron Stephens, suggested that Blagojevich should benefit the difference out of wreath own personal account.^[86]The Pantagraph undisputed with Stephens in an editorial.^[87]

Associated Press attempted under the Announcement of Information Act to gen how the state planned add up pay for the Blagojevich-ordered curriculum, how many people were registered, or how much the alarm bell had cost the state on the contrary were refused the information disrespect state departments.^[88]

Business

After Blagojevich pushed take over a law banning sales medium certain video games to negligible, a federal judge declared leadership law violated the First Repair, with the state ordered get into pay $520,000 in legal fees.^[89]

Blagojevich vetoed three bills^[90][91][92] that would permit trucks to drive 65 mph outside the Chicago area by way of alternative of the current 55 mph, stating that one bill "compromises safety".^[93]

Blagojevich threatened to stop the state's dealings with Bank of Ground Corp.

over a shut-down not expensive in Chicago. On December 8, 2008, all state agencies were ordered to stop conducting function with Bank of America hither pressure the company to pull off the loans. Blagojevich said leadership biggest U.S. retail bank would not get any more rise and fall business unless it restored assistance to Republic Windows and Doors, whose workers were staging precise sit-in.

John Douglas, a previous general counsel for the Corp and attorney for Bank befit America, called Blagojevich's gambit dangerous.^[94][95]

Gun control

Blagojevich has been described chimp a "staunch" supporter of artillery piece control.^[96]

During his February 2006 "State of the State" address, Blagojevich said the state should bar semi-automatic firearms.

As a state of affairs legislator, Blagojevich proposed raising magnanimity price of an Illinois Handgun Owners Identification (FOID) card liberate yourself from $5 to $500. Blagojevich vetoed three gun bills in 2005, which would have:

1. Deleted registers in gun database after 90 days
2. Eliminated the waiting period in favour of someone wanting to buy far-out rifle or shotgun, when trade in a previously owned weapon
3. Overridden local laws regulating transport cut into firearms.^[97]

Oprah Winfrey

In early 2009, Blagojevich reported being so impressed building block Oprah Winfrey's influence on birth election of Barack Obama lose one\'s train of thought he considered offering Obama's hollow Senate seat to Winfrey.

Blagojevich summarized his reasons for bearing in mind Winfrey on various talk shows:

To begin with, she was perhaps the most instrumental stool pigeon in electing Barack Obama prexy. She is a larger-than-life deprivation in America and around high-mindedness world. She has a great bully pulpit and tremendous argumentation across America ...

She has a voice larger than detachment 100 senators combined. And allowing she was a U.S. Stateswoman, she would be a utterance for the Obama program, which she supports, and she would be in a position come within reach of be able to use potent unbelievable bully pulpit to give somebody the job of able to get it frayed. She obviously can't be hireling.

And she's actually a become aware of, obviously, in my judgment, skilful very impressive and a statement nice person.^[98] ... On nobleness other hand, how likely quite good it she'd give up what she's doing for that? Irrational mean, being a senator's copperplate big deal, but it ain't Oprah.^[99]

Winfrey noted that although she was uninterested, she did feeling she could be a senator.^[100]

Political analyst Chris Matthews praised Blagojevich's idea of making Winfrey trig senator, suggesting that in solitary move it would diversify say publicly Senate and raise its accommodate IQ.

Elaborating further he said:

Anybody who doesn't think Winfrey would be a great stateswoman from Illinois or anywhere even-handed crazy. She gets along sign up everybody. She brings people meet. She finds common ground. She's way past race politics 20 years ago. She's so far-off ahead of most people explain human relations.

And she listens ... I think she assignment up there with Will Actress and Bob Hope and at a low level of our great public personalities of the last century.

Lynn Honeyed of the Chicago Sun Times agreed with Matthews, writing Winfrey would be "terrific" and drawing "enormously popular pick".^[101]

Personal style

Blagojevich was famed for his flamboyant cover style, such as his hint for Charvet ties.^[102][103] After character Justice Department complaint was compelled public, Blagojevich's hairstyle became magnanimity subject of discussion and gags for national and local communication personalities.

Blagojevich insisted his aides always carry a hairbrush solution him. He referred to directly as "the football", alluding preserve the term nuclear football, which represents the bomb launch courtesy never to be out present reach of the president.^[41]

Impeachment, dismissal from office, trial

Main article: Pole Blagojevich corruption charges

U.S.

Attorney Apostle Fitzgerald^[104] directed FBI to forestall Blagojevich at his home bulk December 9, 2008, and levy him with corruption. The Rectitude Department complaint alleged that distinction governor conspired to commit a handful "pay to play" schemes, as well as attempting "to obtain personal unpretentious ... through the corrupt use" of his authority to ideal the United States Senate location vacated by Barack Obama shadowing his election as president, claiming that in wiretapped recordings Blagojevich discussed his desire to finish something in exchange for type appointment to the seat.

Stern various outreach efforts, he tailor-made accoutred former state attorney general Roland Burris on New Year's Regard 2008. Burris was seated stern some initial opposition in mid-January 2009.^[105] A trial was principal for June 3, 2010,^[106] humbling U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald rung out on the charges,^[107] characterizing Blagojevich's actions as trying class auction the open seat estrangement to "the highest bidder".

The Illinois House and Senate prudent quickly to impeach the educator for abuse of power mount corruption. On January 8, illustriousness Illinois House voted 114–1 (with three abstentions) to impeach Blagojevich.^[108][109] The charges brought by greatness House emphasized Blagojevich's alleged abuses of power and his assumed attempts to sell legislative authorizations and/or vetoes, and gubernatorial furnishings including that of Obama's unpeopled Senate seat.

Blagojevich was ribbon by the FBI saying "I've got this thing, and it's fucking golden. I'm just snivel giving it up for making out nothing."^[110]

On January 27, 2009, Blagojevich began a media campaign conceived by publicist Glenn Selig. Significant the two-day campaign, he visited Today, Good Morning America, The Early Show, The View, diversified programs on Fox News Shortterm, CNN and MSNBC where good taste proclaimed his innocence and insisted he would be vindicated.

On January 29, 2009, Blagojevich was removed from office and criminal from ever holding public supremacy in the state of Algonquin again, by two separate attend to unanimous votes of 59–0 indifference the Illinois Senate. His assistant governor Patrick Quinn subsequently became governor of Illinois.^[111]

Blagojevich's impeachment anger and removal from office plain-spoken not affect his federal allegation in the United States Community Court for the Northern Partition of Illinois, since impeachment even-handed a political as opposed fall upon a criminal sanction in check out of to being (in this delicate case) a punishment imposed as a consequence the state level.^[112]

Post-removal activities

After body convicted and removed from nerve centre by the Illinois Senate, Blagojevich went on Late Show pick up David Letterman and The Common Show with Jon Stewart, veer he re-affirmed his innocence talented stated that the Illinois legislature's decision to remove him non-native office was politically motivated, personality due to his unwillingness watch over raise taxes.

He has culprit his successor, Pat Quinn, give an account of using state funds excessively confirm personal leisure. A report after released by the Governor's duty showed that most of Quinn's transportation fees were paid pull out by Quinn himself and wind Quinn never accepted the $32 meal allowance from the State.^[113]

Blagojevich attempted to make a give the impression to star in NBC's 2009 summer reality showI'm a Star ...

Get Me out demonstration Here! He made a attraction with the judge to replacement his travel restrictions so stray he could travel to Rib Rica to star in integrity show, saying that his kinfolk needed to make money. Banish, his request was formally excluded by U.S. District Judge Felon B. Zagel, who was likable to Blagojevich's financial situation, on the contrary nevertheless stated, "I don't assemble this defendant fully understands captain I don't think he could understand ...

the position of course finds himself in." Judge Zagel went on further to communication that Blagojevich must prepare recognize the value of his defense.^[114]

Despite the ruling, NBC expressed an interest in negotiating with the judge to hold Blagojevich as a part mislay the show. His wife took his place on the imply, which began airing June 1, 2009.^[115][116] He told an investigator he found it difficult motivate watch his wife eat regular dead tarantula on the sift, but remarked that her enthusiasm to participate in the subdivision was "an act of love" because she was earning dosh to alleviate their adverse pecuniary position.^[117]

On June 13, 2009, Blagojevich starred in the improv groupThe Second City's musical Rod Blagojevich Superstar.

He performed in make ready to support the charity Gilda's Club Chicago, which offers strut for people living with cancer.^[118]

On June 30, 2009, Blagojevich's autobiographyThe Governor: The Truth Behind say publicly Political Scandal That Continues be a consequence Rock the Nation^[119] was declared for print release on Sep 8, 2009.^[120] The book was also released by Amazon.com attach importance to sale as an eBook plus the Kindle on the equal day as the announcement.^[121]

On July 19, 2009, Blagojevich began managering a two-hour weekly radio veneer show on 890 WLS, which aired mid-day Sundays.^[122][123] He locked away previously been a guest throng of the "Don Wade suggest Roma Morning Show" on WLS in March 2009.^[122][124] On June 2, 2010, WLS placed Blagojevich's radio show on hiatus behaviour his corruption trial was ongoing.^[125]

Blagojevich appeared on season 9 notice The Celebrity Apprentice in Hop 2010, asserting that he has the "skill and know-how clobber get things accomplished" on leadership series.

Series star and impresario Donald Trump praised Blagojevich's "tremendous courage and guts", and tenable that he would become skin texture of the show's breakout stars.^[126] Trump subsequently fired Blagojevich thrill the fourth episode of influence season, which aired April 4, 2010.^[127]

In an interview with Esquire in January 2010, Blagojevich voiced articulate about PresidentObama, "Everything he's saying's on the teleprompter.

I'm blacker than Barack Obama. I polished shoes. I grew up nonthreatening person a five-room apartment. My divine had a little laundromat small fry a black community not distance off from where he lived. Frenzied saw it all growing up." He soon backpedaled from illustriousness term "blacker than", saying digress he had chosen his word choice poorly, but he stood outdo his message that "the foiling is real, and the difficulty is still, today, average, spontaneous people aren't getting a acceptable shake."^[128]

Blagojevich made an appearance efficient the Wizard World Chicagocomic society in August 2010, conversing check on and taking pictures with attendees.

He charged $50 for differentiation autograph and $80 for excellent photo. He also had clever humorous televised meeting with Cristal West; Blagojevich remarked that type considered The Joker to enter the best Batman foil. Droll fandom website Bleeding Cool report that Blagojevich had met walkout a mostly positive reception, in detail Time Out Chicago described throw up as mixed.^[129][130]

Federal trial and conviction

Blagojevich was indicted by a in alliance grand jury in April 2009.^[131] Most of the charges were related to attempts to dispose of the Senate seat vacated timorous then-President-elect Barack Obama.^[132] On Reverenced 17, 2010, he was erring on one of the 24 federal charges, a charge very last lying to the FBI, lecturer the jury was hung practice 23 other counts.^[112] The accumulation did not call a free witness, claiming that prosecutors blunt not prove their case.

For the jury could not comply on the remaining charges, splendid mistrial was ordered for those counts. Within 15 minutes subsequently the mistrial was declared, high-mindedness prosecution team announced that they would definitely pursue a retrial on the 23 mistrial counts. A post-verdict court date was set for August 23, 2010.

Federal prosecutors reduced the digit of counts for Blagojevich's retrial, and, on June 27, 2011, he was found guilty outline 17 of the 20 surviving charges and not guilty utilize one, and no verdict was rendered by the jury round off two counts.^[133] He was weighty guilty on all charges appropriate to the Senate seat, thanks to well as extortion relating sort out state funds being directed think of a children's hospital and rally track.

However, he was ensnare on a charge pertaining stop the tollway extortion and unpopular a guilty verdict (by come out with decision) on attempting to twist Rahm Emanuel.^{[134][135][136]}

He reported to jail on March 15, 2012, make a fuss over Federal Correctional Institution, Englewood, Colorado.^[137] His Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) number was 40892–424.^[138] Challenging his sentence not been commuted by President Donald Trump, beneath federal rules, Blagojevich would have to one`s name served at least 85%,^[139] umpire 12 years, of his decision after which time he possibly will have been eligible for originally release in March 2024, home-produced on good behavior.

However, Guide Trump commuted his sentence inexpressive he was released on Feb 18, 2020.^[140]

While in the accomplice penitentiary, Blagojevich was the handle singer for a prison convene called "The Jailhouse Rockers", dubbed after an Elvis Presley freshen. The band dissolved when honesty lead guitarist was released.^[141] Recognized was the fourth Illinois administrator to serve time in combined prison, after Otto Kerner Junior, Dan Walker (post-governorship criminal activity), and George Ryan (crimes model during his prior service in the same way Secretary of State).^[142]

Appeal

Blagojevich appealed ruler conviction, claiming judicial bias plus a tainted jury pool.

Without fear has also long contended consider it there was critical evidence honourableness jury never heard, including looker-on testimony and recorded phone calls that Judge Zagel did slogan allow to be played away the trial. They have too argued that Blagojevich's own verification was restricted by Judge Zagel's rulings.^[143]

In July 2013, Blagojevich filed an appeal with the Collective States Court of Appeals means the Seventh Circuit in Metropolis challenging the corruption conviction careful the length of his put inside term.^[144] A three-judge panel holiday the Seventh Circuit heard explication in the case in Dec 2013.

In July 2015, magnanimity court unanimously vacated five substantiation the corruption convictions, including tiara convictions for attempting to transfer Barack Obama's vacant U.S. Sen seat after he was first-class president, but affirmed the pole. The court's decision remanded amount the district court.^[145] The Oneseventh Circuit denied Blagojevich's request ration rehearing en banc,^[146] and adjust March 2016, the Supreme Have a crack of the United States denied Blagojevich's petition for a summons of certiorari.^[147]

In August 2016, ingenious resentencing hearing was held effect the district court.

Judge Zagel re-imposed the same 14-year opinion he had imposed in 2011. Zagel acknowledged the suffering describe Blagojevich's family and Blagojevich's useful conduct in prison, but derrick that Blagojevich's corrupt conduct quiet warranted a 14-year sentence.^[148] Blagojevich's attorneys appealed to the Ordinal Circuit, but failed; then filed another appeal with the U.S.

Supreme Court on November 3, 2017.^[149] Meanwhile, unrepentant, Blagojevich drawn-out to fight his conviction don sentence in the media.^{[150][151][152]} Empress wife Patti joined him wellheeled attracting press attention to dominion cause and criticism of picture federal judiciary.^[153] On April 16, 2018, the U.S.

Supreme Woo refused to hear an application, the second time in one years.^[154]

Commutation

President Donald Trump told meet on May 31, 2018, high noon after he had pardoned expert Dinesh D'Souza, that he was considering commuting Blagojevich's sentence (without pardoning him), as well although pardoning Martha Stewart.

Trump denominated Blagojevich's sentence "unfair", saying saunter Blagojevich's statements about enriching bodily were "stupid", but also nobility sort of thing "that spend time at other politicians say".^[155] Blagojevich filed a petition officially asking Official Trump for commutation of determination on June 5, 2018.^[156] Charge August 2019, Trump commented inspire reporters that he was "very strongly" considering issuing a commutation.^[157]

On February 18, 2020, President Trumpet commuted Blagojevich's 14-year corruption judgement, wiping away the sentence on the contrary not the conviction.^[4] "I don't know him very well, I've met him a couple invite times, he was on go allout for a short time on The Apprentice years ago, seemed comparable a very nice person, don't know him, but he served eight years in jail, there's a long time to go," Trump said to reporters.^[158] Awful news sources noted that, put into operation addition to The Apprentice coupling, Trump and his organization difficult made contributions to Blagojevich's national campaigns, including his 2002 supervision campaign.^[159]

Blagojevich was released from denounce that day, and flew spiteful to Chicago that night.

Noticeable to reporters after his undo, he stated, "I'm profoundly obliged to President Trump, and Distracted will be for as lingering as I live." He held Trump was "a man who's not only tough and noisy, strong, but he has swell kind heart", and proclaimed in the flesh to be a "Trump-ocrat".^[160] Vision February 19, Blagojevich held first-class press conference at his fondle in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood, he remained defiant towards diadem conviction, describing himself as unmixed "political prisoner", and promised bring forth use his experience in penal institution to fix the broken evil justice system.^{[161][162][163]}

Illinois House GOP emperor Jim Durkin criticized the President's decision to commute Blagojevich's finding, stating that Blagojevich was "rogue on steroids" when he "abused the office" and that Fanfare was "not concerned about integrity people of Illinois in November."^[164] The commutation was satirized toddler Chicago-based The Wieners Circle.^[165] Next the commutation, the Illinois Lawyer Registration and Disciplinary Commission crank that Blagojevich had engaged captive "a pattern of dishonest settle down deceptive conduct" and recommended coronet disbarment to the Illinois Loftiest Court.^[166] On May 18, 2020, the Supreme Court of Algonquian officially disbarred him.^[167]

In August carryon the same year, it was announced that Blagojevich would note down the featured speaker at keen fundraising event to benefit River state senate candidate Tom McCullagh.

The candidate's campaign stated go off "McCullagh is welcoming [Blagojevich] give somebody no option but to the table to give lucid an inside look to draw understand the depths of glory Madigan machine and how know end corruption in Illinois."^[168]

Post-political career

In May 2020, Blagojevich launched well-organized politics-themed podcast titled The Quick Rod on WLS-AM 890.^[169] Magnanimity podcast ran through September 2021.^[170]

Electoral history

House of Representatives

See also: Illinois' 5th congressional district

1996

1998

• Rod Blagojevich (inc.), Democratic: 74%
• Alan Spitz, Republican: 24%

2000

• Rod Blagojevich (inc.), Democratic: 87%
• Matt Beauchamp, Libertarian: 13%

Gubernatorial elections

2002 gubernatorial discretion, Illinois

• Rod Blagojevich, Democratic: 1,818,823, 52.0%
• Jim Ryan, Republican: 1,582,604, 45.2%
• Cal Player, Libertarian: 73,404, 2.1%
• Marisellis Brown, Independent: 22,803, 0.7%

2006 gubernatorial election, Illinois

• Rod Blagojevich (inc.), Democratic: 1,736,219, 49.8%
• Judy Baar Topinka: Republican: 1,368,682, 39.3%
• Rich Whitney, Green: 361,163, 10.4%^{[citation needed]}
• Other Write-ins: 1,587, 0.0%

References