Tearful Goodbye Between Blagojevich and Family As He Heads to Prison for 14 Years
- Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:17pm by
Mytheos Holt
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LITTLETON, Colo. — (AP/The Blaze) Convicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich entered a federal prison in Colorado to begin a 14-year sentence for corruption on Thursday, the latest chapter in the downfall of a charismatic politician that seemed more like a bizarre reality TV show than a legal battle.
Followed by helicopters and TV news crews broadcasting his every move, Blagojevich stepped out of a black SUV and walked into the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in suburban Denver just before noon. Along with his attorneys, the 55-year-old Democrat spent about an hour driving around the facility, stopping for lunch and waving at onlookers before relinquishing his freedom.
“I think it’s kind of surreal to him, but he seems in good spirits,” said Brian Pyle, who owns the Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers in Littleton where Blagojevich had lunch. Pyle said he shook the former governor’s hand as he left, telling him: “Stay strong.” He said Blagojevich thanked him.
His attorneys didn’t immediately return messages left Thursday afternoon.
In what has become a familiar scene in the three years since he was arrested, Blagojevich bounded down the stairs of his Chicago home Thursday morning as a throng of photographers and reporters crushed around him and well-wishers shouted encouragement.
Blagojevich sounded optimistic if not defiant before heading to the airport, a tone he has taken both before and after his convictions on corruption charges, including trying to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat.
“I’m leaving with a heavy heart, a clear conscience and I have high, high hopes for the future,” Blagojevich, wearing a dark shirt, sport coat and blue jeans, told the crowd.
He wasn’t accompanied by his wife, Patti, though she could be seen through the windows. One of the couple’s two daughters peeked out a window before her father departed.
“Saying goodbye is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do,” Blagojevich said.
The helicopters and camera crews following Blagojevich brought to mind the low-speed chase of O.J. Simpson. A mob of travelers took photographs on their cellphones as Blagojevich, his arms raised, stood in a body scanner before heading to down the concourse at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. He stepped off a plane less than three hours later at Denver International Airport, where a car was waiting.
When he walked into prison, Blagojevich became Illinois’ second former governor in federal prison for corruption, joining George Ryan.
He also became Inmate No. 40892-424. The man with a taste for fine Oxxford-label suits was to be given khaki prison garb and boots.
Jurors convicted Blagojevich on 18 counts after hearing FBI wiretaps that revealed a foul-mouth Blagojevich describing the opportunity to exchange an appointment to Obama’s old U.S. Senate seat for campaign cash or a top job as “f—— golden.”
The famously talkative Democrat embraced the public spotlight one last time Wednesday evening, seeming to relish the attention of dozens of reporters and cameras outside his Chicago home as he expressed faith he would successfully appeal his convictions. He claimed he always believed what he did while governor was legal.
“While my faith in things has sometimes been challenged, I still believe this is America, this is a country that is governed by the rule of law, that the truth ultimately will prevail,” Blagojevich said, his wife standing by his side.
“As bad as it is, (this) is the beginning of another part of a long and hard journey that will only get worse before it gets better, but … this is not over.”
His new home, although a minimum-security facility, looks every bit a prison: Stone buildings are institutional beige, the grounds encircled by high razor-wire fencing. Blagojevich, who left behind a spacious Chicago home, will share a cell the size of a large walk-in closet with up to three inmates.
The prison has a few other high-profile inmates, including Jeff Skilling, the former CEO and president of Enron who is serving a 24-year sentence for fraud and other crimes. Most of the facility’s nearly 1,000 inmates are there for drug offences, though some could be in for violent crimes including murder, said U.S. Bureau of Prisons spokesman Chris Burke.
Blagojevich, who was heard on the FBI wiretaps scoffing at a low six-figure salary, will work a menial prison job, possibly cleaning bathrooms or doing landscape work — starting at 12 cents an hour. Guards take several head counts a day, including overnight.
“He’s going to be doing a lot of, ‘yes sir’ and ‘no sir,’” said Jim Laski, a former Chicago city clerk sentenced to two years in prison for corruption in 2006. “It’s a humbling, humiliating experience. But you have to take it.”
Ex-cons say Blagojevich must master unwritten prison codes, such as never gazing at other inmates for longer than a second or two. And his fame outside won’t do him any good.
“You say you were once the governor of Illinois — no one gives hoot,” explained Jim Marcus, a Chicago-based defense attorney and former prosecutor. “Prisoners are going to say, ‘You’re in the same boat as me, pal. Now go clean the toilets.’”
Perhaps some good news for Blagojevich is that he won’t have to shave his trademark thick hair, though maintenance may be challenging. Hair dryers, for instance, are prohibited.
But the most difficult change undoubtedly will be living without his wife and their daughters, 15-year-old Amy and 8-year-old Anne. In prison, his contact with them will be limited to a few times a month and, when they do see each other, Blagojevich will be able to hug and kiss them once at the start of the visit and once at the end.
On all the other days, he’ll have to fight boredom.
Under federal rules, inmates must serve at least 85 percent of their terms before becoming eligible for early release. That’s nearly 12 years for Blagojevich, though his term could be reduced under a prison program.
The avid runner could jog on a prison track for the limited time he is allowed in the main yard, or he could read or play pool in a game room. Internet access and cellphones are prohibited.
A law graduate, he also could research his case in the prison library. He and his attorneys are appealing both the 14-year sentence and his convictions.
“After the initial fear of the first days, boredom is the main enemy,” said Marcus, the defense attorney. “Getting up at the same time, eating, working, sleeping at the same time … that’s what gets to so many inmates, and Blagojevich is in for such a long time.”
Fox News has also caught video of the event:
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Comments (59)
CROCK-HANDLER
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 8:28pmLetter to the President…. Dear O, Pardon me. Your buddy Bloggo.
Report Post »Snidely
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 9:27pmYup. BHO will pardon him on his way out the door. Blaggo will be out in less than a year.
Did you hear about the two inmates in an Illinois prison lunch line? One was overheard saying to the other, “The food was much better in here when I was governor than when you were governor.”
(Yes, I know he’s in a Colorado prison, but that isn’t as funny.)
Report Post »Cosmos102
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 9:50pmOddly enough, I feel sorry for the guy. There are so many more repugnant SOBs in Congress, as well as Barrack and his best bud Eric Holder, who have committed even more heinous atrocities on U.S. citizens than this crazy nut, Blago. They are the one’s who should be saying good-bye to their freedoms and their families.
Report Post »mlite9
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 3:15pmNot news, really. I well imagine anyone who finds themselves entangled with BHO would much rather do time than be mysteriously, inexplicably found dead. This is Chicago, after all…
Report Post »lukerw
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 8:16pmMost of the Worst people in History had Spouses, Families, and Children… GO FIGURE!
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:42pmHey I’ll have to go visit him. Get the scoop after his first 2 weeks or 30 days.
Report Post »OhSuzieQ
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 10:30amlol…..Me too
Report Post »JQCitizen
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:38pmIn my humble opinion:
I’d be willing to bet that what Blago did is not very much different than what MANY career politicians do; – they’re all into favors and, “…you scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours”, so, the only difference is his was taped by a justice system that wanted to make sure BO and Company’s laundry was well “out of the picture”.
We all know BO, and almost all Chicago Pols are a bunch of Crooks! So what’s the difference? Who knows? All those guys (and gals) who are skating away now will have to answer sooner of later. (If not on this earth, then later).
Report Post »marcus_arealius
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 6:55pmOn a more serious topic : Everyone ponder this – Is it possible to be a politician in the filthy rotten totally corrupt state of Illinois and NOT be corrupt or participate in corruption? I don‘t think it’s possible. Perhaps there are some that are not however those few are completely ineffective in accomplishing any good whatsoever.
Report Post »marcus_arealius
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 6:50pmHere’s a stock tip – Pfizer is about to go up. Blago is going to need a lot of Preparation H.
Report Post »Zen Patriot
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 6:36pmVery sad for his wife and kids. Too bad he made such bad choices, and even more, was so unrepentant.
Report Post »mule creek ridge
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 6:23pmI suggest reading Culture of Corruption by Michelle Malkin. It is an eye opener. As far as I’m concerned that Silly Ole Barry should be going right beside Blago. They could be roomies!!!!!
Report Post »spirited
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:50pmEven though it was a Federal “investigation”,
the timing of Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s indictment seems odd; –even odder than Blago himself.
Obama is inaugurated; and bam! Blago is removed from elected office.
Rahm Emanuel (who served as finance chairman of Richard M. Daley’s first mayoral campaign in 1989) becomes Obama’s Chief Of Staff.
Rahm Emanuel decides to leave Obama’s administration.
Obama chooses to replace Rahm with (Mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley’s brother) William Daley.
Note: Tom Donilon, who was the first assistant secretary of State for public affairs under President Bill Clinton; and Tom Donilon’s wife, Cathy Russell, who in 2010 was chief of staff to Dr. Jill Biden (VP Joe Biden’s wife), was rumored (Huffington Post) / thought to be Rahm Emanual’s replacement.
Then, Richard Daley retires / decides not to run for another mayoral term; and, Rahm Emanual then happens to get elected Mayor of Chicago.
Richard M. Daley‘s brother William Daley gives notice to resign as Obama’s Chief Of Staff.
Report Post »Speak without Fear
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:48pmThis is off topic…..and I apologize I wish when Glenn had his show the Blaze would put a Blog thread for the show.
Anyways…..my point is I am listening to Beck’s opening monologue and I have tears welling up in my eyes.
Thank you Glen……..I will not sit down…..I will stand……I am a man……I am a American.
Report Post »jujubeebee
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 7:07amI wish Glenn would sell dvds of his old show on Fox. There are those who did not watch it then that would benefit from it. They put everything on netflix…maybe we can review some of his blackboard episodes.
Report Post »spacelab2
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:48pmBlagojevich was screwed by BHO!
Report Post »One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:58pmAbsolutely he was and hopefully once he‘s inside for a couple months he’ll start saying “what the ^&* did I protect that man for” and start squawking I’ll bet anything. He‘s been so delusional about this that I think it hasn’t even sunk in, and he thought he would be exonerated and back in office so he didn’t wanna burn the dem bridge, but he will now I’ll bet.
He‘s got nothing to lose now and he could be a Godsend from his cell if he could bring this guy down the last rung he’s hanging on to.
Report Post »2theADDLED
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 8:21pmI agree he was just a tool and was used but now he will really get used.
Report Post »OhSuzieQ
Posted on March 16, 2012 at 11:21amI really believe that too.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:47pmAfter the GOP has cleaned up the JD, maybe we will hear the rest of what “Bloggo” has to tell. I imagine he could tell a lot, but things being as they are, he may be careful about spilling his guts completely just now. It does make a personal wonder if he may come forward to gain something that will help him on his ventures to a new ‘planet.’ It is really such a shame that so many who are entrusted with these stewardships are so greedy and self-serving.
Report Post »spacelab2
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:45pmBlagojevich was srewed by BHO!
Report Post »barber2
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:46pmJust another “ thrown under the bus” episode by the Chicago political machine ! Nothing new here…
Report Post »Larry E
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:43pmHe‘s obviously never done anything very hard if heading to jail is the hardest thing he’s ever done. i’ll betcha serving the time will be a lot harder, but maybe if he‘d actually done something hard in his worthless life he wouldn’t be where he is today.
Report Post »Detroit paperboy
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:43pmDont drop the soap !!!
Report Post »KingCanon
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:41pmYeah, he’s a crook. You can see it in his eyes. He did call on God and that’s a good thing. Maybe now his wife and the basketball player will get together and…
Report Post »tmplarnite
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:41pmI See this in O’Vomits future only twice the time!
Report Post »welovetheUSA
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:39pmThe Rham..Obama and Jackson should all be sharing a cell with this guy.
Report Post »matinva
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:37pmI guess he should have thought of all this before he decided to try to screw the citizens of Illinois and line his own pockets. You can bet that Barry played these games too, coming from Chicago. Just no smoking gun yet, but we’ll see what the investigation of his forged birth certificate reveals.
Report Post »spirited
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:52pmProbably on the tapes that weren’t permitted to be heard.
> ?
Report Post »godlovinmom
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:36pmNow who is Shepard Smith gonna talk about????
Report Post »AmazingGrace8
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:51pmBlago is a “sneaky-survivor” and he will have a following & a liberal network will have a reality-show & Blago will be the star….Snickers/Shooky or whatever her name is will cause cancellation of the Jersey-Landrover-with-a-mattress or whatever the name of the show is because she is going to be a mom..(this AM Fox News). Blago is quite the showman!
Report Post »neverending
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:29pmOnly thing missing is barry boy should be on his way also.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:42pmI think so as well as those helping him in his destruction of this country.
Report Post »alrunner58
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:29pmBoo Hoo
Report Post »LeadNotFollow
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:25pm…
Report Post »Don’t worry Rod. Obama will pardon you soon.
copatriots
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:25pmOh please…..the prison he is heading to is more like Summer Camp. I drive past it all the time. I wonder if Blago will get a mountain view…….
Blago is merely proof of The Chicago Way of Politics. I’ll never forget when the story first broke. Blago’s response was priceless. He couldn’t understand what it was he had even done wrong. He was just playing Chicago politics as usual and never had any idea that it was illegal.
Report Post »barber2
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:48pmFeel very sorry for his family, but he still doesn’t take any responsibility for his actions. Typical Chicago Democrat .
Report Post »Welcome Black Carter
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 6:35pmJackson Jr. and the Obungler should be going with him.
Report Post »Joe Shmoe
Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:23pmMSNBC will have a job waiting for him when he gets out.
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