Patti Blagojevich pleads with judge: 'Be merciful'

Chicago Tribune ^ | 12-6-11 | Staff

[bigbob]

Rod Blagojevich's sentencing hearing has ended for the day, with the defense emphasizing the damage a long prison sentence would have on Blagojevich’s family.

Lawyer Aaron Goldstein also read a letter read to the court from Blagojevich’s wife, Patti. “Your honor, I ask you humbly with the life of my husband and the childhood of my daughters in your hands, be merciful,” she wrote to U.S. District Judge James Zagel.

Her husband’s worst fear was that he would not be able to see his daughters grow up, Goldstein said, prompting both Rod and Patti Blagojevich to tear up as they listened in the courtroom.

[Bellflower]

Why did Blago get fingered? I am sure that he merely did politics as usual just like almost all other Illinois politicians (especially Democrat). I am sure he was shocked at being pick out of the crowd for punishment. For politics in Democratic Illinois he was being completely normal.

[Ditter]

Don’t you know?

[jersey117]

He might not be in this predicament had he dropped a dime on obama.

[Harley]

Corrupt politician is an oxymoron. Blogovich is an everyday moron. He becomes the 4th governor in 30 something years headed to prison. Somebody said they should give him a stiff sentence to ‘set an example.’ Set an example? The only way to set an example with Illinois politicians is to give them the death penalty. Blagovich will get 10 years and in about a year when Obama is leaving he will give him a full pardon and Blago will be able to celebrate Christmas 2012 with the family and watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” on tv. What a happy ending.

[raccoonradio]

Got 14 years

[Harley]

Wow he must have upset someone. Got more than I thought, but less than the prosecution wanted. Previous governors of Illinois that actually got convicted of something did much better. Otto Kerner (D) got 3 years for accepting bribes, served less than a year. Walker (D) served 1 1/2 of a 7 year sentence for bank fraud and perjury. George Ryan (R) is still serving a 6 1/2 year sentence for bribery and contract fraud, scheduled for release July 4, 2013.

Enjoy you last family Christmas Blago.

[Clock King]

Blago’s silence about zero and company disturbs me.

I think he was forced to shut up. They got to him. Remember he wanted to get Obama to testify, but was blocked.

[Clock King]

He just go 14 years sentence today 12/07/2011.