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Blago courts attention, flies away for 14 years
This version of Blago Courts Attention Flies Away 14 Years Flna453954 - Breaking News | NBC News Clone was adapted by NBC News Clone to help readers digest key facts more efficiently.
epa03145139 Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich autographs a sign calling for his freedom outside his home on the day before he is to report to prison on his corruption conviction in Chicago, Illinois, USA 14 March 2012. Blagojevich was convicted for attempting to sell the US Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama, among other charges. He is scheduled to report to the Federal corrections facility in Littleton, Colorado, USA to begin his 14 year sentence on 15 March. EPA/TANNEN MAURYTANNEN MAURY / EPA
Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich aboard a plane heading to Colorado to serve his prison sentence.NBC News
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, center, walks with attorneys as he arrives at the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Littleton, Colo., on Thursday, March 15, 2012, where he began serving his 14-year sentence for corruption. (AP Photo/Ed Andrieski)Ed Andrieski / AP
AP reports -- Convicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich arrived at the Colorado federal prison on Thursday to begin a 14-year sentence for corruption, the latest chapter in the downfall of a charismatic politician that seemed more like a bizarre reality TV show than a legal battle.
In what has become a familiar scene in the three years since Blagojevich was taken out of his home in handcuffs by federal agents, the former governor had earlier bounded down the stairs of his Chicago home as a throng of cameramen, photographers and reporters crushed around him and well-wishers shouted encouragement.
As he has done repeatedly before and after his conviction, Blagojevich sounded an optimistic and even defiant note.
"I'm leaving with a heavy heart, a clear conscience and I have high, high hopes for the future," said Blagojevich, wearing a dark shirt, sport coat and blue jeans. Continue reading.
epa03145139 Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich autographs a sign calling for his freedom outside his home on the day before he is to report to prison on his corruption conviction in Chicago, Illinois, USA 14 March 2012. Blagojevich was convicted for attempting to sell the US Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama, among other charges. He is scheduled to report to the Federal corrections facility in Littleton, Colorado, USA to begin his 14 year sentence on 15 March. EPA/TANNEN MAURYTANNEN MAURY / EPA
Annie Blagojevich, daughter of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, watches as her father is surrounded by the media in front of their home Wednesday, March 14, 2012 in Chicago. The 55-year-old Democrat is due to report to a prison in Colorado on Thursday to begin serving a 14-year sentence, making him the second Illinois governor in a row to go to prison for corruption. (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)M. Spencer Green / AP
epa03145069 Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich kisses hhis wife Patti as he speaks outside their home on the day before he is to report to prison on his corruption conviction in Chicago, Illinois, USA 14 March 2012. Blagojevich was convicted for attempting to sell the US Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama, among other charges.He is scheduled to report to the Federal corrections facility in Littleton, Colorado, USA to begin his 14 year sentence on 15 March. EPA/TANNEN MAURYTANNEN MAURY / EPA
epa03145082 Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich (C) speaks outside his home as his wife Patti (R) stands by his side on the day before he is to report to prison on his corruption conviction in Chicago, Illinois, USA 14 March 2012. Blagojevich was convicted for attempting to sell the US Senate seat formerly held by President Barack Obama, among other charges. EPA/TANNEN MAURYTANNEN MAURY / EPA
