Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Looks Like Bribery's Legal

Messy campaign finance system explains Blago verdict: Scott Turow

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 18, 2010 6:20 AM CDT

(Newser) – An Illinois jury's failure to convict Rod Blagojevich on bribery-related charges despite damning evidence starts to make sense when you look at America's shambolic campaign finance system, argues Scott Turow. The huge number of loopholes, together with the Supreme Court's decision to lift restrictions on corporate campaign donations, has turned the system into "little more than a form of legalized influence-buyin," the lawyer and best-selling author writes in the New York Times.

Under the current system, only those as "crass and ham-handed" as Blago are ever likely to face prosecution for soliciting and taking bribes, Turow writes. The Constitution should be amended to reverse "the notion that unrestricted political spending deserves protection as free speech," he concludes. "Without that, who could fault a juror for looking around at contemporary political life and feeling that Rod Blagojevich had been unfairly singled out?"

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich talks to the media outside of his home on the north side of Chicago after being convicted on one of 24 counts in his federal corruption trial on Tuesday Aug. 17, 2010.
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich talks to the media outside of his home on the north side of Chicago after being convicted on one of 24 counts in his federal corruption trial on Tuesday Aug. 17, 2010.   (AP Photo/Eric Y. Exit)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

I suspect the jury’s indecision might have been a reaction at some level to the hypocritical mess our campaign financing system has become, especially in light of recent Supreme Court jurisprudence about political donations. - Scott Turow

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
My TakeCLICK BELOW TO VOTE
5%
7%
44%
21%
12%
12%
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
Fastram
Aug 18, 2010 3:02 PM CDT
GOD SAID IF MY PEOPLE WOULD SEEK MY FACE,PRAY,AND REPENT FROM THERE WICKED WAYS I WOULD BLESS THERE LAND.....
Fastram
Aug 18, 2010 3:01 PM CDT
NO WORKIE
Derni
Aug 18, 2010 1:08 PM CDT
I don't like the man..but the Prosecutor failed to do his job..and after hearing everything it just sounded like a night out on the town IN DC listening to congress and lobbyists..our system sucks and beeds an overhall now..the 2 party system has to go..term limits must come into play..and $$$ cannot dictate who runs and is elected..wake up middle america (remmebr the protests in the 6-'s and 70's??) so where are you baby boomers?? and the students of today??passive rodents!

More Newser Stories

Blago Seeks Prison Rehab

For Blago, 71 Days of Freedom Left

Blagojevich Gets 14 Years

Blagojevich: 'I, Frankly, Am Stunned' by Verdict

Blagojevich Guilty on 17 of 20 Charges


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne