Updated 2/25/10 with additional event details
The Northwestern University College Democrats announced Monday night that former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, Weinberg ‘79, will address students on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 in Cahn Auditorium at 7 p.m at an event entitled, “Ethics in Politics: An Evening with Former Governor Rod Blagojevich.”
Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office last January after being arrested for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and solicitation of bribery in relation to attempting to sell Barack Obama’s former Senate seat.
According to a press release from the College Democrats, Blagojevich will be given 15 minutes to plead his case, followed by a 45 minute interview led by a Northwestern faculty panel including law Professor Tonja Jacobi, Political Science Professor Donald Gordon and Medill Professor Donna Leff. The event will then end with a 30 minute question and answer session in which panelists will ask questions written in advance by audience members.
While some deem Blagojevich’s invitation to speak as controversial, the College Democrats felt their decision was justified. “The College Democrats believe that given the recent history of executive leadership in Illinois, it is vital to have a conversation about the state of ethics. There is no better person with whom to discuss this issue than Blagojevich himself,” said the College Democrats.
They went on to say, “Northwestern University prides itself on providing a forum for debating issues of national importance. Engaging in such debate is one of the means by which voters hold politicians accountable to the rule of law.”
After earning his bachelors degree in history from Northwestern, Blagojevich served in the Illinois House of Representatives, the U.S. House of Representatives and then as Governor of Illinois for six years.
Tickets will be available for free at the Norris Box Office starting late Tuesday. There are a limited number of tickets available, with a maximum of two per WildCARD.
is vital to have a conversation about the state of ethics. There is no better person with whom to
discuss this issue than Blagojevich himself. As an institution, Northwestern University prides
itself on providing a forum for debating issues of national importance. Engaging in such debate
is one of the means by which voters hold politicians accountable to the rule of law.