Why Is Illinois So Corrupt?
Corrupt Illinois Patronage, Cronyism, and Criminality by: Dick Simpson and Thomas J. Gradel (Photo: University of Illinois Press)
Anyone with a passing interest in Illinois politics knows the state has a reputation for corruption. A new book attempts to chronicle the wrong-doing, and propose a plan to combat it.
Reporter Maureen Foertsch McKinney spoke with Dick Simpson, co-author with Thomas J. Gradel of “Corrupt Illinois: Patronage, Cronyism and Crmiinality”, published by University of Illinois Press.
Simpson, a University of Illinois-Chicago political science professor and former Chicago alderman, began by talking about how institutions in Illinois promote a culture of corruption.