A federal judge today upheld Rod Blagojevich's 14-year prison sentence on corruption counts, setting aside pleas for leniency by the former Illinois governor's wife and daughters during his resentencing.
US District Judge James Zagel said it's an "unfortunate reality" that Blagojevich's innocent family members are made to suffer the consequences.
Blagojevich, known as Inmate No. 40892-424 since he went to prison in 2012, appeared on a courtroom video in prison-issued clothing, his once dark hair now white.
He was eligible for resentencing after an appeals court threw out some convictions related to his alleged attempt to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama's old Senate seat.
The Democrat appeared on a courtroom screen through a video from a Colorado prison, his first public appearance since entering prison.
"I think I'm a very different person and I think I've become someone who has learned a lot from the mistakes I have made," he told the judge, adding that he takes responsibility for his actions and is working to make amends.
Federal prosecutors said the dismissal of the five counts doesn't reduce the seriousness of Blagojevich's offenses and argued the sentence shouldn't be reduced.
The former governor wiped tears from his eyes as his daughters took the stand. His youngest daughter, 13-year-old Annie, told the judge she almost didn't want to grow up because she wants to wait for her father to come home.
His older daughter, 20-year-old Amy, said "my dad used to be my best friend" and "he's never given up on us and we will never give up on him."
As governor, Blagojevich was famously fastidious about his dark hair. Hair dyes are banned in prison, and his hair now is noticeably white.
The one-time contestant on Donald Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" reality show has asked Zagel to sharply reduce his sentence on the upheld convictions.
Prior to today, Blagojevich's projected release date was 2024, factoring in two years of credit for good behavior.
Blagojevich's attorney, Leonard C Goodman, told the judge that "the arrogance and anger are no longer present in this man" and that he's "been a model inmate."
"We are here to take a fresh look," Goodman said. "What I suggest is the case you have before you today is significantly different from the case in 2011."
Blagojevich's wife, Patti Blagojevich, asked for leniency in a letter to Zagel contained in court documents filed today.
