Washington, DC – Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) issued the following statement after former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was found guilty on 17 of 20 counts:
"At long last, Rod Blagojevich has been found guilty. He has put Illinois through the wringer with his corruption as Governor and then with his antics on trial. His outrageous behavior before and after being impeached as Governor has shamed Illinois.
“In 2005, I made newspaper headlines saying Rod Blagojevich was the 'most corrupt Governor in Illinois' history.' If a then freshman State Representative was on to him in 2005, I say shame on those who supported his re-election in 2006, especially those who now sanctimoniously decry his corruption with statements to the media today.
"Long before the astonishing transcripts of wiretaps by the U.S. Attorney’s office were released it was clear to all who followed Illinois government that we had the equivalent of an organized crime ring systematically shaking down people who dealt with Illinois government for personal and political gain. It was racketeering pure and simple."