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Co-Author of 'Corrupt Illinois' to Speak at WIU

March 17, 2015

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MACOMB, IL – One of the authors of the new book, "Corrupt Illinois," will speak about his book at Western Illinois University beginning at noon Wednesday, March 25 in Morgan 314.

Dick Simpson is a professor of political science at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He co-authored the book with political researcher and freelance writer Tom Gradel.

"Corrupt Illinois" outlines a history of political corruption in Illinois, which began with vote rigging in 1833 and includes the criminal convictions of four of the last nine Illinois governors and of 33 Chicago aldermen.

"We hope the book's content and message will alert voters to look closely at the candidates," Simpson said. "Our conclusions are inescapable. Illinois is among the top three most corrupt states and Chicago is undoubtedly the most corrupt city in our nation.

Simpson said the corruption thrives when "political leaders have a monopoly power, have discretion over almost all government actions and have little or no accountability."

For more information about Gradel's address, email WIU Department of Political Science Chair Keith Boeckelman at KA-Boeckelman@wiu.edu.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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