Sweet Home, Chicago

When corrupt Illinois politicians go, they go big.

From CBS:

A 76-page FBI affidavit alleges that [Illinois Governor] Blagojevich was intercepted on court-authorized wiretaps during the last month conspiring to sell or trade Illinois' U.S. Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama for financial and other personal benefits for himself and his wife. At various times, in exchange for the Senate appointment, Blagojevich discussed obtaining:

A substantial salary for himself at a either a non-profit foundation or an organization affiliated with labor unions;

Placing his wife on paid corporate boards where he speculated she might garner as much as $150,000 a year;

Promises of campaign funds – including cash up front; and

A cabinet post or ambassadorship for himself.

Among other things.

Blagojevich has been under investigation for years on various charges. The Obama Senate seat merely came along as a bonus. Still, what an idiot. Chicago politicians might think they're untouchable (pardon the pun), but Blagojevich already knew he was under investigation before putting the Senate seat up for sale. And he did it anyway.

Figuring out all of the twists and turns in Illinois' political corruption is a headache, but it essentially boils down to what a Chicago reporter on CNN called, "Pay to play." That is, using your office for personal and financial gain. The reporter phrased it as, "In Illinois, we call it pay to play," which shows that it isn't exactly rare.

One fun fact to remember: Blagojevich's predecessor, former Governor George Ryan, is already in prison on a corruption rap. If convicted, Blagojevich will make it two in a row.

The Chicago way, baby.