Unethical Leader: Rod Blagojevich

Rod Blagojevich: A prison dishwasher

Born on December 10, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois, the second of four children. His father: immigrant steel plant laborer. His brother worked as a fund-raiser for his later political career. Blagojevich's campaign was helped by his wellconnected father-in-law, Chicago alderman Richard Mell.

Early Career
Political party : Democratic Is a former American politician who served as the 40th Governor of Illinois from 2003 to 2009 On October 10, 2002, Rod Blagojevich was among the 81 House Democrats who voted in favor of authorizing the invasion of Iraq. During 2002, Blagojevich campaigned for his party's nomination to become governor. Ethics scandals had plagued the previous administration, against which he targeted his election campaign and won with 52% votes.

Relationships with fellow lawmakers

He was criticized for using funds from the state pension system in order to fund other spending. Blagojevich disagreed with many state Democrats while in office. During 2008, Blagojevich even expressed fear that House Democrats would gain more seats and he would face more opposition. He used "gimmicks" to balance the state budget. Republicans claimed that he was simply passing the state's fiscal problems on to future generations by borrowing his way to balanced budgets

Rod Blagojevichs corruption charges

Blagojevich and his Chief of Staff John Harris were charged with corruption Shut down a landfill owned by a distant cousin of his wife, for allegedly accepting waste it was not licensed to take His father-in-law was the deal advisor 2006: Convicted of making false statements to FBI Extorted a Chicago children's hospital Demanded a $50,000 funding from the CEO Threatened to revoke millions in fund

Rod Blagojevichs corruption charges

He forced force the Tribune Co. to fire editorial writers in exchange for a tax break worth about $100 million Alleged of trying to "sell" the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama
Faced a 76-page federal complaint Invited candidates to bid for the seat Though less explicit, the seat was to be given to the highest bidder. In his own defense, claimed that Obamas promoters were supportive of his move