Milorad "Rod" R. Blagojevich

Milorad "Rod" R. Blagojevich (Bluh-goy-uh-vitch) is a Democratic politician who was impeached as Governor of Illinois in January 2009. He was first Democrat to be elected governor of Illinois since Daniel Walker in 1972. On 9 December 2008, one day before he would turn 52, he was arrested on corruption charges ("pay to play").

Blagojevich was born (10 December 1956) and raised in Chicago, the second born child in a working class family. He graduated from Chicago's Foreman High School. After attending the University of Tampa, he graduated from Northwestern University. He has a law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law.

After graduating from law school, Blagojevich clerked for Chicago Alderman Edward Vrdolyak and served as Cook County Assistant State's Attorney. In 1992, Blagojevich won a seat in the Illinois House of Representatives. In 1996, he defeated freshman Republican Rep. Mike Flanagan to take the 5th Congressional seat, serving three terms. David Axelrod, senior adviser to Barack Obama, worked with Blagojevich on his Congressional campaigns. In 2002, Blagojevich successfully ran for Governor; he was re-elected in 2006. He was endorsed both times by Barack Obama.

In October, a Chicago Tribune poll pegged Blagojevich's approval rating at 13 percent, lower than that of President Bush. In 2007, AP writer Christopher Wills documented Democratic party in-fighting. The party seemingly squandered its lock on the legislature and the state house.

In addition, Blagojevich threatened Bank of America "unless it restores credit to Republic Windows & Doors." After the bank shut of its line of credit, the Chicago-based union shop closed its doors, putting 250 workers among the jobless.

Blagojevich is married to Patricia Mell, daughter of Chicago Alderman Richard Mell. The couple has two daughters.