WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Darin LaHood sent a letter to President Trump arguing against a pardon and/or a commutation for former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich. Rep. LaHood, a former Assistant United States Attorney with the US Department of Justice, led the letter with the support of every Illinois Republican member of Congress, laying out the many public corruption crimes and the illegal activity committed by the governor during his administration and the need to stand strong against pay-to-play politics in Illinois and across the country. Congressman LaHood and every Illinois Republican in Congress believe that pardoning such a clearly corrupt politician would set a dangerous precedent and send the wrong message regarding elected officials who violate the public trust.
The letter states:
“While we understand that as President, you have the right under our Constitution to consider and grant pardons and clemency as you determine fit, we ask that you consider very carefully the precedent this may set, in the future, and the impact it will have on acts of public corruption. As you well know, the integrity of our democracy and the core of American values depends on our elected officials being honest in upholding the trust given to them by the American people. Granting clemency to Rod Blagojevich would go against this trust and show to others considering acts that are unethical or criminal that there will be no real punishment for acts of public corruption.”
The letter can be read, here.
