According to a recent poll commissioned and funded by the Joyce Foundation, 6 in 10 Illinoisans (58%) believe political corruption is common among officials in Illinois. And though Blagojevich is no longer in office, problems with voter confidence in state politics may linger.

Legislators throughout the state are viewed with dissatisfaction and skepticism; 81% of residents say they trust state government only “some of the time” or “almost never.” Roughly the same number of respondents (80%) say the state is on the wrong track, up from 68% eight months ago.

Released by the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform (ICPR), the statewide poll was the first issued after Blagojevich’s arrest to gauge how Illinois voters were reacting to the news. The study found that most residents, Republicans and Democrats alike, believe a series of reforms, including limits on campaign contributions, would improve the political process and lead to better government.

“These survey results transcend political parties and all regions of the state,” commented Sheila Simon, a professor at the Southern Illinois University School of Law and a member of the ICPR Board. “Illinois residents are united in their views that our state is corrupt and our political system must be reformed.”

During tough economic times, Illinoisans are sending some strongly negative messages to officeholders statewide. Two-thirds support the creation of a new state agency to vigorously enforce Illinois’ campaign finance laws and 65% want to spend more tax dollars on stronger enforcement of laws to keep money out of politics.

Other findings of the poll include:

• 71% of Illinois residents support a law limiting the amount of campaign money party leaders of the legislature are allowed to contribute to other legislative candidates;
• 78% of residents say a ban on campaign contributions by corporations would make state government work better, and 76% say a similar ban on labor union contributions would make a difference;
• 89% of registered voters say support for legislation to reduce money in politics would be important to their decision to re?elect their legislator, with half (50%) saying it would be “very important.”

Read the topline results of the BRS’ poll

Find out more information about the money and politics programs funded by the Joyce Foundation.