Why have so many Illinois politicians been corrupt?
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich looks back at the crowd as he returns home in Chicago, Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2011, after he was sentenced to 14 years in prison. Charles Rex Arbogast/AP
This week, the Chicago Tribune launched a new series of stories called “Culture of Corruption”:
“What makes Illinois so corrupt?" the introduction asks. "In the coming weeks and months, the Tribune will explore and attempt to explain why corruption continues to poison virtually every level of government in our state, draining off tax dollars and robbing public service of its meaning.”
GUEST
Ray Long
Investigative reporter, Chicago Tribune
Author, “The House That Madigan Built: The Record Run of Illinois' Velvet Hammer”