Simplify the following text for a Grade 8 native English-speaking person.
Original: Milorad R. `` Rod '' Blagojevich ( ; born December 10 , 1956 ) is an American politician who served as the 40th Governor of Illinois from 2003 to 2009 .
Simplified: Rod R. Blagojevich was 40th Governor of Illinois beginning January 13 , 2003 and ending January 29 , 2009 . The former governor was born December 10 , 1956 .