Illinois corruption update 7/23/12: Cellini lawyers ask for probation

Lincoln museum cornerstone

Illinois' most best-known historical figure is Abraham Lincoln. His nickname of course was Honest Abe, but even Lincoln can't escape the taint of 21st century Illinois corruption.

Although the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield didn't open until 2005, then-Governor George Ryan, sensing that his reputation would soon be in ruins, hurriedly-presided over the dedication of the library three years prior.

Ryan, a Republican, is presently the lesser-known of the two former Illinois governors serving a prison sentence.

Of course Rod Blagojevich, his Democratic successor, had a flair for self-promotion that certainly got his name out--which probably hurt him when sentencing time came.

Marathon Pundit to the right of Lincoln

Part of the haul of the guilty from the Blago scandals was William Cellini, also a Republican. He got rich by "turning state government into a private industry." After 28 years of a GOP control of the governor's mansion--Blago became governor in 2003. To Cellini it was as if the rain gutters of the mansion were painted white instead of beige. In other words, it was business as usual for him.

Today Cellini's lawyers asked for probation for him, citing the poor health of 77 year-old who schemed with Blago cronies such as Tony Rezko. Of course Rezko, who is also currently doing time, was Obama's first political sponsor.

Oh, there is another Lincoln tie-in here. Cellini's wife, Julie, spearheaded the Lincoln Library and Museum project. Inside the library, visitors can visit Ask Mr. Lincoln, Presented by Julie and Bill Cellini. Yep, Honest Abe, brought to you by a convicted felon and his wife.

Does George Washington have to endures these indignities in Virginia?

Technorati tags: politics history  republican Abraham Lincoln culture Democrats Blagojevich law legal crime cronyism museum George Ryan

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