Politicians used influence to improve admissions prospects for some at University of Illinois

From The Chicago Tribune: Politicians exerted their influence at the University of Illinois to boost admissions prospects for the relatives of lobbyists, fundraisers, a union leader and other connected applicants. A number of lawmakers championed applicants whose relatives donated to their campaigns or represented groups that regularly made political contributions. Family members of at least three lawmakers also were part of a now-abandoned secret system that allowed some subpar students to get admitted to the state's flagship university.