A brief history of Illinois’ Chief Executives' Legal Troubles

SPRINGFIELD – The second trial of Illinois’ 40th Governor Rod Blagojevich has cast the spotlight on legal troubles that have plagued the state’s chief executives in the past. A summary of the more notable examples follows, as compiled by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and relying for reference on The Illinois Governors: Mostly Good and Competent by the late Robert P. Howard, and revised and updated by Taylor Pensoneau and Peggy Boyer Long.

Joel Matteson, 10th Governor
Democrat, 1853 - 1857
The first legally embattled governor was Joel Aldrich Matteson, after whom the Village of Matteson in southern Cook County is named. During his term in 1856, he began redeeming outdated and/or previously redeemed canal scrip for state bonds. Matteson was discovered three years later, after his term as Governor was over. The subsequent court proceedings, including accusations of bribery and jury tampering, went on until 1863, when the Sangamon County Circuit Court declared Matteson owed the state more than $253,000. Matteson’s property was sold at auction to satisfy the judgment.

Len Small, 26th Governor
Republican, 1921 - 1929
Governor Len Small was indicted in 1921 on charges that he ran a money laundering scheme during his tenure as State Treasurer. He was acquitted amid rumors of jury tampering; in fact, after the trial, four jurors received state jobs. Later, in 1927, a civil suit was brought against Small for the same money laundering scheme. He lost that case, and the judgment was more than $1 million, an amount that was reduced to $650,000 by Attorney General Oscar Carlstrom, whom Small had helped to elect in 1924.

William G. Stratton, 32nd Governor
Republican, 1953 - 1961
William G. Stratton was indicted in 1964 on charges of violating income tax laws relating to political contributions during his term as Governor. He was acquitted during an expensive trial after defense witness Senator Everett M. Dirksen testified that governors have official ceremonial duties for which the unrestricted use of campaign fund contributions is justified. The U.S. Tax Court later agreed with the verdict, ruling that the Internal Revenue Service should not assess a tax on outright unrestricted gifts.

Otto Kerner, 33rd Governor
Democrat, 1961 – 1968
Otto Kerner was convicted in 1973 on 17 counts of bribery, conspiracy, perjury and other charges relating to Illinois race track stock deals that occurred after his term in office. He was sentenced to three years in prison. The federal prosecutor in the case was James R. Thompson, who would later be elected Governor, and whose law firm would later defend another Illinois Governor, George H. Ryan.

Dan Walker, 36th Governor
Democrat, 1973 – 1977
Dan Walker was convicted and sent to prison in 1987, ten years after leaving office, for misusing funds from his failed First American Savings and Loan Association of Oak Brook. The conviction was unrelated to his service as Governor.

George Ryan, 39th Governor
Republican, 1999 - 2003
George Ryan is currently serving 6 ½ years in federal prison after he was convicted in 2006 by a federal jury of 18 counts of criminal misconduct, including a racketeering conspiracy, mostly related to his service as Illinois Secretary of State from 1990 to 1998.

Brady Declared Winner of GOP Primary, Is Endorsed By Dillard

NOTE: The State Board of Elections today Declared Sen. Bill Brady had won the GOP Gubernatorial Primary by 193 votes. The following was released by Sen. Kirk Dillard's campaign, who was in second place behind Sen. Brady.

DILLARD ENDORSES BRADY FOR GOVERNOR
(Chicago) – State Senator Kirk Dillard today threw his support behind State Senator Bill Brady in the race for Governor, saying it was “close,” but that Brady had won the Illinois Republican Primary. “I will help Senator Brady in any way I can to ensure the Republican Party wins back the Governor’s office in November,” Dillard said.

Dillard had waited until the Illinois State Board of Elections had reported the final totals in the February 2 Primary election had been counted before conceding because of the narrow margin of Brady’s lead. “It was a hard-fought race, and it was close: less than .0002 of a percent,” said Dillard. “But it is now clear to me that my friend and colleague Bill Brady has won the Illinois Republican Primary for Governor.”

Dillard went on to stress why he will aggressively campaign on Brady’s behalf. “As I’ve said countless times during the campaign, Illinois is a state in crisis. Pat Quinn cannot lead, and shows no urgency in putting people back to work.”

The State Senator from Hinsdale also thanked former Governor Jim Edgar for his support and the hundreds of volunteers and thousands of supporters who backed his campaign during these last seven months. “I call on my supporters and the supporters of the other Republican candidates to join me in supporting Senator Bill Brady,” Dillard said.

Dillard also said he would continue to work hard as a state senator for the people of his district and all of Illinois. “I will continue to fight for the Republican principles of Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan. I will continue to fight for a balanced budget and new jobs. And I will continue to fight for a state government that works for the people, not the politicians.”

Dillard announced his candidacy on July 7, 2009. He said he would make Illinois a “Destination Economy,” by attracting new employers to create jobs. He outlined a “Best in Class” Education plan to train the workforce of tomorrow and vowed to lead by example when it comes to ending corruption by pledging to close his campaign account when sworn-in as Governor.

First elected to the Illinois Senate in 1994, Dillard and his wife Stephanie have two daughters, ages eight and six.

Audio Clip from Hynes Press Conference

Click the link below to listen to a 46-second audio clip from Comptroller Dan Hynes' press conference conceding victory in the Democratic Primary to Governor Pat Quinn.

http://www.illinoischannel.org/media/HynesDan100204.mp3

BREAKING NEWS: Hynes Concedes to Quinn

Comptroller Dan Hynes has conceded victory in the Democratic Primary to Governor Pat Quinn.

Adam Andrzejewski's Comments on Bob Schillerstrom Dropping from Governor's Race

From the Campaign Office of Adam Andrzejewski for Governor

Elmhurst, Ill- Adam Andrzejewski, Republican candidate for governor, today released the following statement in response to DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom's decision to withdraw from the governor's race:

"Over the course of the last few months, I have come to appreciate the energy Bob Schillerstom has brought to the Governor's campaign. I did not agree with all of Bob's positions, but he raised issues that made the race for Governor a better contest.

While I don't think Bob's endorsement of Jim Ryan reflects the best choice for Illinois, his experience with the Illinois Republican establishment makes his endorsement as good a fit for him as any of the other 5 remaining establishment candidates in the race.

We may see more deals and negotiations among the establishment candidates as this race comes to a close, but Illinois voters can rest assured that I will be there to provide them with the choice of a clean, non-establishment conservative.

Dillard Statement on Schillerstrom’s Decision to Withdraw

From the Campaign Office of Senator Kirk Dillard for Governor

LISLE, Ill- State Senator Kirk Dillard, Republican candidate for governor, today released the following statement in response to DuPage County Board Chairman Bob Schillerstrom’s decision to withdraw from the governor’s race:

“I have enjoyed working with Chairman Schillerstrom in the past as the former Republican Chairman and a current State Senator in DuPage County. I look forward to continuing to work with him in the future to balance the budget, bring jobs to Illinois and clean up Springfield.”

Brady on Schillerstrom Dropping Out of GOP Race for Governor

From the Campaign Office of Senator Bill Brady for Governor

Senator Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Governor, released the following statement today:

“Bob Schillerstrom’s endorsement of Jim Ryan today is as predictable as the dead voting in Chicago. It was inevitable he would throw his support behind either Jim Ryan or Kirk Dillard. Anything to stop real reform.

“Schillerstrom tells us Jim Ryan will be ‘an advocate for the taxpayer, questioning the status quo in state government and fighting to bring real change to Springfield culture.’

“In fact, Ryan and Schillerstrom cut a deal with Chicago interests in 2007 to impose a sales tax increase on voters in DuPage. Jim Ryan actually headed up the Schillerstrom’s pro-tax committee (“DuPage tax supporters ready for month-long blitz,” Daily Herald, 1/6/08). It’s worth noting that Kirk Dillard voted for that increase in the Senate, one of only three Republicans to do so. I voted against it.

“Jim Ryan also called for billions of dollars in income tax increases as he sat on the board of a leftwing think tank, with the SEIU union and other liberal groups. Jim’s $800,000 relationship with Stu Levine hardly speaks of real change. And his mishandling of the Nicarico case, in addition to being an enormous tragedy, cost Bob Schillerstrom’s County millions of dollars in legal settlements.

“Bob and Jim are on opposite ends of key issues such as capital punishment, the Second Amendment rights and abortion. But what matters, apparently, is they are both part of the insider crowd.

“It is doubly ironic that Bob Schillerstrom signed the no-new-tax pledge but is now endorsing one of two candidates who didn’t. Kirk Dillard – no surprise – is the other one. Bob and Jim are the ‘taxing tag team,’ and with Kirk Dillard, it makes three.”

“Talk about a ****storm!”

Dan Proft Statement on Bob Schillerstrom Dropping Out of Governor's Race

From the Campaign Office of Dan Proft for Governor

(Chicago, Illinois) — In response to the announcement that Bob Schillerstrom is dropping out of the race for governor and endorsing Jim Ryan, conservative Republican candidate for governor Dan Proft released the following statement:

I want to congratulate Bob Schillerstrom for running a spirited, policy-oriented campaign.

He was a worthy adversary and is a class individual.

However, his support of Jim Ryan serves only to crystallize the choice for Republican primary voters on February 2nd. Are we going to turn back the clock or are we finally going to usher in a new generation of forward-looking leadership for our party and our state?

Are we going to propose a more orderly going-out-of-business sale for our state or take up the cause of bringing policy revolution to state government?

Will fear lead us to tolerate the status quo or will we muster the courage to advance the candidate who will turn Springfield upside down?

Chris Christie in New Jersey. Scott Brown in Massachusetts.

Who will lead the revolution in Illinois?

Jim Ryan? He is a fine man but, please, be serious.

If you want policy revolution in Illinois, Dan Proft is your candidate for Governor.

Message from Bob Schillerstrom

From the Campaign Office of Bob Schillerstrom

Dear Friends,

Nearly seven months ago we launched this campaign with a promise to dramatically change the quick-fix, reactionary approach to state government that has saddled Illinois with an $11 billion deficit, double-digit unemployment and a well-earned national reputation for corruption. We sought to remind taxpayers that they don't have to settle for Springfield dysfunction – that there is a better way.

It has been my pleasure to work with you in the time since to spread that message across our state. Together we have sounded the call for new leadership – for an end to runaway spending and threatened tax hikes, for a new approach to recruiting employers and good jobs to Illinois, and for the transformation of a Springfield culture that has put us in this predicament. In the process we have introduced critical reforms that would revolutionize state government – things like zero-based budgeting, 72-Hour online public review of all spending legislation, and term limits for all state leaders. We have made a difference.

But as Election Day nears, it is clear that we lack the financial resources necessary to communicate with voters statewide and win the February 2 Primary. Given that reality, I have decided to end our campaign for Governor. This decision was not made lightly, and was particularly difficult given the incredible investment that so many have made in our campaign. Words cannot express how grateful and humbled I am by the work of our volunteers, staff and supporters. And I would be remiss if I did not publically thank my wife of 25 years, Marybeth, and our three children for their unwavering support from day one.

Today is the end of our campaign for Governor, but it does not lessen the urgency in bringing new leadership and a different approach to Springfield. And that is why today I also announce my endorsement of the candidate who I believe will best lead our state in taking on unprecedented challenges, Jim Ryan.

In a political arena where individuals are only as good as their word, Jim Ryan stands out as a man of integrity. He is tested. He is honest. I've known Jim Ryan for nearly 30 years and I've seen him deal with difficult challenges whether they were personal, political or professional...

He will serve as an advocate for the taxpayer, questioning the status quo in state government and fighting to bring real change to Springfield culture. I encourage Republicans to vote for him on Feb. 2, and again in November...

Illinois can do better – and working together, we'll see that it does.

Sincerely,
Bob

BREAKING NEWS: Schillerstrom Drops Out of Race

Republican candidate for governor, Bob Schillerstrom, has dropped out of the gubernatorial race. He has put his support behind the candidacy of Jim Ryan.

Brady Vows to Promote and Protect Illinois Agriculture

From the Campaign Office of Senator Bill Brady for Governor

Senator Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Governor, said today he will promote Illinois agriculture as the state’s next Governor and work to ease state policies and regulations that put Illinois farmers and agri-businesses at a competitive disadvantage with neighboring states.

“Agriculture is the largest industry in Illinois, accounting for about 25 percent of the state’s economic activity,” Brady said. “My administration will make sure that Illinois agriculture does not lose any more ground to other farm states. I want to see the anti-agricultural and anti-business policies of the Democrat administrations in Springfield turned around so that Illinois agriculture grows and thrives along with our rural communities.”

The only Downstate candidate for Governor, Brady unveiled his agricultural policy during a visit to Progressive Farm Products Inc. in Hudson.

Brady said he supports:

• Eliminating the state estate tax penalty that puts family farms at risk and eliminating the state sales tax on gasoline that unnecessarily costs Illinois families and businesses.
• Reducing bureaucratic regulations, red tape and inefficiency that delay investments in agricultural-related business start-ups, such as ethanol plants. He said approval of necessary state permits has taken more than a year in instances, where the permitting process in other states is accomplished in 150 days or less.
• Rebuilding a professional Illinois Department of Agriculture, including prioritizing and restoring program funding, which has been cut by as much as 70 percent.
• Reducing anti-business taxes and fees to encourage greater business investment in Illinois and create new private sector jobs.

“Unlike other companies, farmers cannot move their farms across the border to Indiana or Iowa to survive,” said Brady. “They are faced with either suffering the high costs of living and doing business in Illinois or selling their farms.”

“I will work with the agriculture community to promote Illinois agriculture and Illinois-made agricultural products, whether it is large farm equipment or home-grown honey,” he said. “We have a rich agricultural heritage and the potential for an even richer agricultural future.”

Brady, of Bloomington, is the only candidate for Governor with both legislative and business experience.

He was joined at the announcement today by members of Farmers for Brady.

Former Congressman Tom Ewing of Pontiac is the honorary chairman of the advisory board. Chairmen are William J. Graff, a farmer from Logan County and former state executive director of the Illinois Farm Service Agency USDA, and George W. Obernagel III, a partner in a multi-state family farm operation from Monroe County and a retired executive and farm manager with banks in Belleville.

Statement From Illinois Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna on State of the State Address

From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor

“Nearly one year after Governor Quinn took office we are still facing the same problems on a much larger scale; a state on the brink of bankruptcy, fewer jobs, the prospect of higher taxes, and no substantive ethics reform.

“Governor Quinn’s speech today only reinforces how out of touch he is with the Illinois families and how we are in desperate need of new leadership.

“Matt Murphy and I have a plan to solve this budget crisis without a tax increase and bring more good-paying jobs to Illinois.”

Statement from Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna on Sale of Thomson Prison and Escape of Prisoners in Southern Illinois

From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
Thursday, January 7, 2010

“Today’s escape of prisoners in southern Illinois is a stark reminder of the dangers Illinoisans could face if Governor Quinn allows GITMO detainees into northwest Illinois.

“This plan, much like Governor Quinn’s early prisoner release program, is another ill-conceived, hastily arranged Blagojevich-style scheme that could put our families in jeopardy.

“I call on President Obama and Governor Quinn to seriously rethink this dangerous plan.”

Andrzejewski Calls on Legislature to Restore Citizens' Right to a Secret Ballot

From the Campaign Office of Adam Andrzejewski for Governor

Elmhurst, ILL., - Adam Andrzejewski, Republican candidate for Governor, is calling on the state legislature to restore Illinois citizens' right to privacy in the voting booth. In late 2007, the Illinois General Assembly passed an update to the election law that effectively undermines the Illinois citizens' right to a secret ballot.

"It's another classic Illinois political trick," Andrzejewski said. "Pass a law that appears to be an improvement on the surface, while operating to undermine rights in its application."

These changes in the law undermine the protections that insure the "secrecy of voting" under the Illinois Constitution, and they will be in place in the February Primary. On December 15, 2009, while defending a court challenge to the flawed legislation, the Illinois Attorney General argued "while plaintiff attempts to suggest to the Court that there is a fundamental right to a secret ballot, no such right exists."

"Here is how it works," explained Andrzejewski. "The law and supporting regulation purport to defend the secret ballot. In practice, however, the voter's privacy is undermined. You can vote in secret, but that secrecy is cancelled out the moment the voting machine informs the election judge that the citizen did not to vote in one of the constitutional races."

"This is an easy issue to explain," said Andrzejewski. "If a voter didn't vote in every race, for whatever reason, their ballot will trigger an alarm, which creates a process where an election judge becomes unnecessarily involved in voting. Illinois citizens' constitutional rights to a secret ballot are undermined."

"When the Legislature enacts, the Board of Elections implements, and Attorney General Lisa Madigan defends unconstitutional laws (SB 662 in 2007)—a law that undermines Illinois citizens' rights to vote in secret—it is time for all citizens to take notice."

"I believe the privacy of voting is more important than schemes to increase votes for incumbents. As governor, I will fight to defend the Illinois Constitution, including the right to privacy in the voting booth," said Andrzejewski. "I will use my powers to defend the citizens by exposing the schemes that undermine our rights."

Senator Brady Criticizes Jim Ryan's Plan to Lease Tollway

From the Campaign Office of Senator Bill Brady for Governor

Illinois Senator Bill Brady, (R) Candidate for Governor, released the following statement today regarding opponent Jim Ryan’s proposal to lease the Illinois State Tollway;
State assets have to be preserved for the long term. My opponent, Jim Ryan, is opening the door to a very dangerous practice. We should not be making a habit out of selling or leasing taxpayers assets for a short-term bump. That only provides a temporary fix to a much larger problem.

I would consider privatizing the tollway only if it could be managed better for the taxpayers and drivers, but our track record in Illinois suggests that would not be the case. The leasing of Chicago’s parking meters, for example, has been anything but beneficial to taxpayers. The transition was plagued with problems, and rates are so high -- increasing 75 cents in some areas in the new year -- many taxpayers can no longer afford the convenience of driving to the city. The privatization of the the Chicago Skyway lead to higher tolls, less maintenance and was forced to close down over some holidays because of snow.

As Governor, my top priority will be to provide the leadership to get the Illinois back to living within its means. There is not an area of state government that can’t afford to do more with less. I will make the difficult decisions necessary to balance Illinois’ budget without raising taxes.

I believe the long-term solution to the state’s fiscal imbalance is bringing back the 700,000 jobs Illinois has lost in recent years, which would ultimately result in a $3 billion annual infusion of tax revenues to the state treasury. In the short term, I will order a top-to-bottom prioritization of state spending to curtail programs that are outdated or underperforming and reconstruct government from the bottom up.

McKenna Signs Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge; Challenges Opponents to do the Same

From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor

CHICAGO – Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna announced today that he signed the Americans for Tax Reform Taxpayer Protection Pledge, vowing as Governor to “oppose and veto any and all efforts to increase taxes.”

“I am pleased to sign the Taxpayer Protection Pledge because it is wrong to ask the taxpayers of Illinois to do more when their government has done so little,” said McKenna. “I challenge my opponents to sign this pledge and make a commitment to the hardworking men and women of this state that they will not raise taxes.”

While some of his opponents continue to flip-flop on whether they will raise taxes, McKenna’s opposition to tax hikes has been clear for years including his collaboration with Republican Leaders Tom Cross and Christine Radogno to defeat Governor Quinn’s jobs-killing income tax hike.

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) opposes all tax increases as a matter of principle. It was founded in 1985 by Grover Norquist at the request of President Ronald Reagan. Since ATR first sponsored the Pledge in 1986, hundreds of U.S. Representatives, more than fifty U.S. Senators and every successful Republican Presidential candidate have all signed the Pledge.

See Andy McKenna’s pledge here.

Adam Andrzejewski’s Interview on Polish Television to Air in Chicago

From the Campaign Office of Adam Andrzejewski for Governor
December 1, 2009

WARSAW, POLAND — December 1, 2009 — Illinois Republican gubernatorial candidate Adam Andrzejewski (ann-gee-EFF-ski) will appear on the Polish television program Tydzień Polski (Polish Week) on Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Tydzień Polski is a television news magazine featuring topics of interest to Poles living abroad.

Joanna Bator conducted the interview Tuesday evening which will be televised in Illinois on TVP, the international channel of Poland’s public broadcasting corporation. During the interview, Mr. Andrzejewski issues relevant to Poles living in Illinois, reasons for the Polish Diaspora to take an interest in the next gubernatorial election, and how, as governor, Andrzejewski will promote job growth, economic vitality, and increased international trade between Illinois and Poland.

TVP is available on Comcast Cable (Channel 675), DirecTV (2171), and AT&T Uverse (3862). Broadcast times for Tydzień Polski are 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM on December 2, 2009, and 5:00 AM on December 3, 2009. The interview will be available for archival viewing online at http://www.tvp.pl/publicystyka/polityka/tydzien-polski.

Highlights from December 1, 2009

12:00 PM: Tour of the Sejm (Parliament) of the Republic of Poland, Senat (Senate) of the Republic of Poland, followed by lunch in the legislative dining room with several members of the Polish Congress.

3:00 PM: Meeting with Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Kazimierz Kuberski. Mr. Andrzejewski discussed direct foreign investment, trade with Illinois, and the American Visa policy towards Poland. Afterwards, Mr. Andrzejewski toured the Presidential Palace where he saw the “Round Table” where negotiations led to Poland’s first free election in 1989.

7:00 PM: Television Interview on news program Tydzień Polski (Polish Week).

Adam Andrzejewski is a candidate for the Republican nomination for Governor of Illinois. Currently he is polling second among seven candidates. Andrzejewski is running on a platform of aggressive reform of state government in Illinois. For more information, visit www.AdamforIllinois.com.

Statement from Republican Gubernatorial Candidate Andy McKenna on the Gitmo Detainees Moving to Illinois

From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
Saturday, November 14, 2009

“It appears that Governor Quinn’s only plan to cut spending and create jobs is free prisoners and bring terrorists to Illinois. I wholeheartedly oppose Governor Quinn and President Obama's efforts to move Gitmo detainees to our neighborhoods. This shows how out of touch Governor Quinn really is."

Andy McKenna and Matt Murphy recognize that the Thomson Correctional Center is underutilized, but this is not the direction we should take to maximize the facilities operations.

Brady Opposed to Housing Enemy Combatants in Illinois

From the Campaign Office of Senator Bill Brady for Governor
Saturday, November 14, 2009

Senator Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Governor, today issued the following statement regarding a proposal by President Obama and Governor Quinn to move Guantanamo Bay detainees to Thomson Correctional Center:

“I have grave concerns about shutting down Guantanamo Bay and moving dangerous enemy combatants to Illinois or any other facility on United States soil. These are individuals who pose a terrorist threat to our nation, and I do not believe housing them inside our national borders is wise, from a security standpoint or an economic standpoint. Certainly the cost of housing them at Thomson would be a federal budget issue, but providing heightened security outside the prison walls would most certainly be necessary and be a cost borne by Illinois taxpayers.

“I am committed, as Governor, to opening Thomson Correctional Center immediately to house the growing numbers of inmates within our state correctional system. Governor Quinn, even as he is releasing offenders before completion of their sentences, is moving to expand the state correctional system. With Thomson nearly empty, I question the logic of building selling off Thomson while building new state prison facilities.”

New Trier Township Republicans Endorse McKenna for Governor

From the Campaign Office of Andy McKenna for Governor
Saturday, November 14, 2009

CHICAGO – The New Trier Township Republican Organization today endorsed Andy McKenna for Governor.

“We are thrilled to receive the endorsement of the New Trier Township Republicans,” said McKenna. “It’s clear that Tolbert Chisum and his organization agree with our message of putting Illinois’ fiscal house in order and we thank them for their support.”

The McKenna campaign also secured House Republican Leader Tom Cross’ endorsement this week. Lake County Republican Chairman Dan Venturi has also personally endorsed McKenna.

Andy is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 29 years, and they have raised four children. Mary is a longtime schoolteacher, and two of their children have followed her into that profession.