"Former Republican Governor William Stratton was accused of failing to report nearly $100,000 in income-- campaign contributions the feds said Stratton converted for personal use-- from 1957 to 1960 during his second term.
"Republicans called foul, saying it was a "political trial." U.S. senator Everett Dirksen testified at the trial as a self-described expert on the subject and said Stratton had done nothing wrong.
"The jury acquitted Stratton on March 11t, 1965 and, though it was silent on its reasons, a Tribune analysis of the judge's instructions pointed to his emphasis on whether the government had proved willful intent. The next day, a Tribune editorial said, 'The morality of mixing campaign contributions and personal gifts is open to question, but is done so regularly that it is accepted as normal political practice.
"'In a state like Illinois, nobody except a very rich man could aspire to be governor unless his political expenses, including gowns for his wife, were provided.'"
Corruption in Illinois Government. Who'd a Thunk It? --Cooter
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