Illinois Illustrates Politics More Corrupting Than Casinos

One of the federal charges against Blagojevich is that he extorted money from horse racing tracks.

Politicians around the world debate the wisdom of legalizing casino gambling, as it is often contended that casinos bring a shady, sleazy atmosphere to a community. But, as the current situation in Illinois so aptly depicts, the truth is that politicians seem far more likely to bring corruption and sleaze than gambling.

Illinois has been in the process of deciding which municipality will receive the tenth and last state casino license. Of the three remaining choices, Rosemont's bid is the highest, at $435 million. But Rosemont has a bad reputation because previous licensees from the area were found to have organized crime ties.

Yet, while the casino process is slowed by fears of corruption, the politicians who so worry have yet another rotten apple in their midst. Governor Rod Blagojevich has famously been implicated in a plan to sell the Senate chair relinquished by President-elect Obama.

Blagojevich's national political career began in succeeding Daniel Rostenkowski in the House of Representatives. Rostenkowski had lost the previous election after being convicted of mail fraud.  Blagojevich took over as governor after his predecessor, George Ryan, was sent to prison for racketeering and bribery .... stemming from charges he sold licenses and contracts.

One of the federal charges against Blagojevich is that he extorted money from horse racing tracks. No speculation has been more than whispered so far about the hundreds of millions in play over the casino license decision, but the board did announce a delay in the decision. Supposedly the governor's situation is unrelated.

These are the people who would begrudgingly take the revenues generated by gambling, all the while talking about how important the online casino ban is? If Congress would really save the people, it should start with a prohibition against politicians. Lawmakers, ban thyselves.