Burris, Jackson among "15 most corrupt"

By Dennis Byrne, Chicago Now (The Barbershop Blog)

September 15, 2009

Sen. Roland Burris and Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. have been named by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington as among the "15 most corrupt members of Congress.

Both made the list because they both are under investigation for their possible role in the selling by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich of President Barack Obama's former seat in the Senate.Illinois isn't the largest state in the union, but it managed to get two of its own on the list, quite impressive when 520 senators and congressmen did not make the list. It should be noted that both of Illinois' representatives on the list are Democrats, but perhaps that's because most of Illinois' elected officials are Democrats. Republicans aren't without their own experts in the matter, witness former Illinois Gov. George Ryan.

Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW, said on the group's website: "With the economy in a free-fall, unemployment rates at record highs and health care solutions still nowhere in sight, members should be spending their time looking for answers to the nation's problems, not finding new ways to enrich themselves. The members of Congress profiled in CREW's Most Corrupt report have betrayed those who voted them into office. This report holds them accountable for their bad choices."

Now if only the voters of Illinois would hold them accountable.