Political corruption: Fiction, fact and accusations
It is impossible to think of a major American city that hasnt been hit by some sort of political scandal kickbacks, pay to play, or paying for job patronage. Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, whose power base is in Chicago, is just the most recent politician to face accusations -- in his case, still unproven -- of using public office for private gain. (Brian Kersey / Getty Images)
George Ryan, a Republican governor of Illinois from 1999 to 2003, is currently serving a 6 1/2 year term after his conviction for steering state contracts and leases to political insiders while he was secretary of state and then governor. (Charles Rex Arbogast / Associated Press)
