Believe it or not, last night's speaker was Illinois' ex-governor, Rod Blagojevich. Chicago's ABC News affiliate reports:

The former Illinois governor facing federal corruption charges addressed Northwestern University students Tuesday night on the subject of ethics.

"If I did all the things they said I did, I wouldn't be anywhere near this event," said Blagojevich.

In his opening statements, Blagojevich proclaimed his innocence, accused the federal prosecutor of unethical behavior, and accused legislative leaders Mike Madigan and John Cullerton of practicing what Blagojevich defines as corruption.

Last year, Blagojevich had hoped to travel to Costa Rica so he could be filmed in a TV reality show. But a judge denied his request to leave the country. The people of Illinois probably feel they have already endured one reality show too many from Blagojevich.

Today, federal prosecutors re-indicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Why? Prosecutors are reportedly trying to avoid having their case against the ex-governor dismantled by an anticipated U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

In the coming weeks, many observers believe the high court may declare a law key to the original indictment to be unconstitutional. This law is often called the "honest services" fraud law. When this case was argued before the Supreme Court in December, several justices expressed concerns about the law's scope.

Last April, Blagojevich was charged with 17 counts of fraud, racketeering and other criminal activity. Reuters reports:

"The new charges ... are based on the same underlying criminal conduct," said Patrick Fitzgerald, the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, in a court filing accompanying the new grand jury indictment in Chicago.

The Illinois legislature impeached and removed Blagojevich, a Democrat, from office in January 2009, during his second term. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and is scheduled to go on trial in Chicago in June.

In a state still reeling from the arrest and impeachment of its last governor, a panel appointed by the new governor issued a report calling for major changes to the way business is conducted.  The legislature has to act to implement the changes and we'll monitor how that plays out.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Among the group's recommendations:

*Establish campaign contribution limits of $2,400 from individuals; $5,000 from special interest groups, organized labor and corporations; and $50,000 from party committees to statewide candidates.

*Extend a "pay to play" ban regarding state contracts and campaign contributions to the General Assembly.

*Ban contributions from lobbyists and trusts altogether.

*Hold primary elections in June, closer to the November general election, to cut down on costs and length of campaigns.

*Set up a test project for taxpayer financing of campaigns.

*Increased disclosure requirements, including requiring contributions of $500 or more to be reported more quickly year-round instead of only before an election.

*Requiring political action committees to disclose "bundling" of contributions from several people of $16,000 or more in a six-month period.

*Amend ethics act to require enhanced training.

*Reduce number of state jobs exempted from a ban on patronage hiring.

*Prohibit campaign contributions by state employees to constitutional officers.

*Establish an independent contract monitor to oversee and review procurement process.

You can read the whole report here: Download Illinoisreformcommission