Ten Things You Might Not Know About Illinois Governors-- Part 2: Blago-- $177,412

2. Former Governor ROD BLAGOJEVICH's legal name is not Milorad, but it almost was. His father wanted to give him this traditional Serbian name, which means "happy worker." But, his mother vetoed it and wanted the more American name Rod. //// 3. $177,412. That is what the Illinois currently gets. Early governors received $1,000 as set in the 1818 constitution. The salary ranks 4th highest for state governors, but less than the mayor of Chicago, heads of Metra and Chicago Public Schools or members of the state supreme court. //// Good Money If You Can Get It. --Cooter