With a former governor free on bond while appealing his conviction and a continuing federal investigation into state hiring practices, political corruption, ethics and honesty in government remain key issues in Illinois.

From Washington, D.C., to Springfield to Chicago to Bloomington, these issues have the attention of the voters and politicians - well, most of them.

Here is what our leading state officials had to say on the subject on inauguration day

Attorney General Lisa Madigan

"As public servants, we must not only help others, but set an example. We've seen far too many people in government who are seeking only to help themselves. I will continue to use my power to stand against them."

Comptroller Dan Hynes

"We must pass ethics legislation, including a ban on 'pay-to-play' politics. ? We (give ammunition to the cynics) ? with every insider deal, every questionable influence - and every failure to change the status quo. It's time to stop talking about ethics reform and start making things happen, and I hope to take the lead on making it happen.

Secretary of State Jesse White

Referring to the licenses for bribes scandal before he took office, White said, "We must all remember how wrong things can go when you don't focus on your job."

State Treasurer Alexi Gianoulias

Signing an executive order prohibiting his campaign fund from accepting donations from banks, office employees and treasurer's office contractors, Gianoulias said, "Elected officials should not stand by and let the deck be stacked in favor of political contributors. It fuels corruption and breeds public cynicism. Taxpayers end up paying in the long run."

Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn

"We have to as citizens make sure that our government is as good as the honest and hardworking people of the state of Illinois."

Gov. Rod Blagojevich

The blank space above is deliberate. Blagojevich said nothing about ethics.

Four years ago at his first inauguration, Blagojevich spoke about being the reform governor, "rejecting the politics and mediocrity" and ending "business as usual."

What a difference four years makes.

At his second inauguration, the governor said absolutely nothing about corruption or ethics during his nearly 20-minute speech.

What a politician doesn't say can be as significant as what a politician does say - and Blagojevich said nothing.