Be On The Lookout: Illinois Governors have high propensity for crime

By Ken Silverstein

Number of men elected as Illinois governor since 1960: 7

Number who have been charged with criminal conduct: 4

Number who have served time in prison: 3

Number of years served (combined) thus far by three jailed governors: 6 *

(* — George Ryan, Rod Blagojevich’s predecessor, is two years into a 6 1/2 year sentence. Dan Walker went to jail in 1988 for conduct that occurred after his 1973-1977 tenure. He was released in 1989 due to poor health. Staged miraculous recovery after release; now lives in Mexico. Otto Kerner Jr. served time between 1974 and 1975 on bribery charges. He died of cancer soon after winning his early release.)