Illinois among the most corrupt states, but not the worst

Rod Blagojevich is the latest Illinois governor to serve time in prison for corruption. (Photo courtesy spablab/flickr)

By Metro News Service

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Illinois is known for being one of the most corrupt states in the nation, but it doesn't top the list.

Kentucky is actually worse off when it comes to legal corruption, according to a new study from Harvard University's Center for Ethics. That means politicians in those two states hand out benefits to private groups or individuals in exchange for campaign contributions or endorsements more often than those in Illinois.

Illinois comes in at number five in the illegal corruption category.

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