Rep. Reis Statement on Ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich’s Guilty Verdict

June 27, 2011

Olney, IL.…State Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) applauds the federal jury today on their guilty verdicts against impeached, ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich (D-Chicago).

State Representative David Reis stated:

"Rod Blagojevich’s fraudulent crimes against the people of this state and men and women across the country today faced justice. With an overwhelming guilty verdict on 17 of the 20 federal corruption charges, Blagojevich’s convictions send a resounding message that public corruption by elected officials is not and shall not be tolerated in Illinois.

Serving as a member on the House Impeachment Committee, I can tell you firsthand Blagojevich’s acts were serious breaches of the law that ultimately tore apart the fabric of the public’s trust.

From wire fraud, conspiracy to commit bribery and attempted extortion for the sale of a U.S. Senate seat, Blagojevich’s criminal acts were known by members of the committee as wrong, and confirmed today by the numerous guilty verdicts.

The legislature and executive officers of the state must continue to enhance our ethics laws and enact meaningful campaign finance reforms to stop corrupt politicians in their tracks. Public corruption can no longer be accepted in backroom deals or hid under the rug as "business as usual in Springfield." This means partisan politics must be put aside to ensure greater transparency, sunshine and openness in state business.

I remain hopeful the appeals process for ex-Governor Rod Blagojevich will be rejected and Blagojevich will ultimately serve time in a federal penitentiary for his convicted crimes."