Systemic Corruption
Is systemic corruption bred by political machines? what is a political machine anyway? Is it a function of one party rule? or is it fostered by tolerance of corrupt practices? Attorneys general seem to isagree.
Illinois called 'petri dish' for corruption: "News Archive
Illinois called 'petri dish' for corruption
April 25, 2006
BY DEANNA BELLANDI ASSOCIATED PRESS


A convicted former governor and scandals at Chicago City Hall earned Illinois the dubious distinction of 'petri dish for corruption' at a national meeting of state prosecutors Tuesday.
The conviction last week of former Gov. George Ryan on federal racketeering and fraud charges was a backdrop for the National Association of Attorneys General's one-day summit in Chicago to talk about ways to stamp out public corruption.
'Illinois is apparently a petri dish for corruption. It is a real breeding ground,' Illinois Campaign for Political Reform director Cynthia Canary told the group.

But Illinois is not alone when it comes to public corruption.
'Louisiana is famous, if not infamous, for its corruption,' said Jim Letten, U.S. attorney for the eastern district of Louisiana and a native of New Orleans.
He said Louisiana's reputation for being tolerant of corruption has kept some people from seeking public office and kept businesses away.
But Letten said"But Letten said that climate has started to change, beginning with the corruption conviction six years ago of former Gov. Edwin Edwards.

Edwards was convicted in a case that stemmed from the licensing of riverboat casinos during his final term as governor in the 1990s. Sentenced to 10 years in prison, his earliest release date is in 2011.

In Illinois, Canary said, some reasons for corruption are a lack of political competition due to the dominance one political party in some areas, such as the Democrats in Chicago, and because there are no state limits on campaign contributions.

"It is very hard for the public to tell the difference between a campaign donation and a bribery," she said.

University of Illinois at Chicago political science professor Dick Simpson warned the attorneys general that they won't end corruption if they don't rid their states of political machines.

"You cannot have political machines and end corruption," Simpson said. "Political machines breed corruption just like garbage breeds flies."