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Some Cases of Political Corruption Shock Even the Most Hardened Observer.

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Cases of political corruption are prevalent, from the local governments up to the federal level.

Examples of government corruption range from issues of bribery, pay-to-play government contracts, sexual improprieties, and simply criminal behavior.

With every little move that major politicians like senators, governors, and congressmen make, one would think that cases of corruption would be few and far between.

Instead, public officials are as blatant and as greedy as ever.

Underlying everything our politicians do, is selfishness; the primary goal is to protect their position in society and support the status quo which their job depends on.

At times, they seem to forget themselves though, or consider themselves above the law.

Three recent corruption cases, two of which have already ended in conviction and one is still under investigation, have stirred the cynical feelings of many Americans and affirmed that their distrust of the government is well deserved.

The three cases involved a congressman, a senator, and a governor.

All three cases involved greed, illegal actions to satisfy that greed and, worst of all, a complete lack of remorse by the guilty parties.

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Scandal Strikes Illinois Again

If there is one thing that Chicago and Illinois politics are known for it is political corruption and Illinois Governor, Rod Blagojevich, who ran as an ethical reformer, was there to pick up the flag and run with it.

For more that three years the embattled Illinois governor has been investigated by the federal government for twelve separate cases.

Already having been under investigation on charges of fraud, receiving bribes, and receiving more bribes, Blagojevich recently found himself arrested on charges of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and soliciting bribes.

The Governor found himself in this predicament when he was caught on tape saying that he wanted something in return from the person that he would appoint to the Senate seat vacated by the President-elect Barack Obama.

Blagojevich was recorded saying things like the Senate seat is a valuable thing and

“they’re not willing to give me anything except appreciation. **** them!”

Blagojevich has refused to step down despite facing a grand jury indictment and impeachment.

He even went on to appoint former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to the vacant senate seat, who was ultimately seated despite some unrest from the senate democrats.

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Political Corruption in Alaska

Ted Stevens, the second-longest serving republican senator in history, and the king of pork barrel spending, found himself being indicted in the Summer of 2008 on seven political corruption counts of failing to properly report gifts.

He was found guilty on all counts just three months later.

Stevens had received a free home renovation and other gifts totaling over a quarter of a million dollars from the VECO Corporation, an Alaskan oil pipeline service.

The case began after the indictment of numerous state legislators and the former VECO executive, Bill Allen, on bribery charges.

Allen had pleaded guilty and agreed to name the legislators involved.

Stevens has not been sentenced yet, but faces up to 30 years in jail (which he is unlikely to get). Most would be surprised if Stevens gets more than a fine.

Others expect Stevens to be pardoned by the president.

Stevens is the fifth senator to be convicted of a crime while in office and the first since 1981.

Despite the fact that Stevens’ conviction came just a week before the election, he lost his re-election bid to Anchorage Mayor, Mark Begich, by less than 4,000 votes, one-percent of the vote.

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The Duke Cunningham Scandal

Randy “Duke” Cunningham, a seven-term congressman from California, previously best known for his attempts to outlaw flag burning, was involved in a textbook case of political corruption.

He was found guilty on charges of accepting bribes and sentenced to more than eight years in prison.

The Duke had received bribes amounting to a staggering $2.3 million.

The money came from two defense contractors in return for contracts which Cunningham awarded as a member of the Defense Appropriations Committee.

Mitchell Wade, the first contractor, had bought Cunningham’s house at $700,000 more than it was valued at.

Wade also allowed Cunningham to live on his yacht in Washington without rent.

In return, Wade and his company received more than $150 million in Pentagon contracts.

Another contractor, Brent Wilkes, rented suites for Cunningham and his friends, hired limos for them, and bought them prostitutes.

In return, Wilkes received major business from the government.

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