CHICAGO — Saying he was about to embark on a “dark and hard journey,” former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Wednesday said his goodbyes to supporters as he prepared to spend 14 years in federal prison.
The 55-year-old Democrat will report Thursday to Federal Correctional Institute Englewood, a low-security prison southwest of Denver, where he will be prisoner No. 40892-424.
In farewell remarks Wednesday outside his home on Chicago’s northwest side, Blagojevich stood with his arm around his wife, Patti, and admitted, “It’s hard for me to even say I have to go to prison… But it’s reality and we have to face it.”
Illinois’ 40th governor, Blagojevich — often referred to by the nickname “Blago” — was arrested in December 2008 on federal corruption charges and convicted last year.
One of the charges on which he was found guilty related to an attempt to sell or trade the US Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.
Wearing an open-necked blue checked shirt and dark jacket, Blagojevich walked outside at precisely 6:02pm ET – as previously promised – in an appearance timed to fit evening newscasts.
He spoke for exactly 10 minutes as supporters chanted his name and at one point tried to wrap an American flag around his shoulders.
Blagojevich thanked those who had stood by him, along with the people of Illinois who elected him and touted what he said were some of his accomplishments, including health care and free transit rides for seniors.
Turning to a future behind bars, Blagoevich said, “the law is the law and I have to go do what I have to go do. This is the hardest thing I ever had to do.”
As tears ran down his wife’s cheeks, he said, “what do you tell your kids?” — a reference to his two daughters aged eight and 15.
“At times I want to give up but I look into the eyes of my daughters and think that’s not what a father is supposed to do.”
Noting he had appealed his conviction, Blagojevich finished by saying, “This is not over. We have faith in the future, faith in the rule of law and faith in God.”
Then, to the sea of reporters he added, “I’ll see you around.”