Life In Prison Begins For Rod Blagojevich

Obama's Political Pal Is Now Inmate No. 40892-424 -- Investor.com

Night One is now over.

Rod Blagojevich, former Illinois governor, long-time political ally and picnic pal of Barack Obama and loud-mouthed mediagenic felon, is now Inmate No. 40892-424, a resident of Federal Correctional Institution Englewood, just outside Denver.

He's scheduled to reside there for the next 14 years after his conviction on 18 counts of corruption, including trying to sell or trade his gubernatorial nomination to fill President-elect Obama's empty U.S. Senate seat.

Barring a presidential pardon, Blago must serve at least 85% of his sentence. On his scheduled release his two daughters will be 29 and 22.

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My Comment: It would not surprise me if President Obama ends up pardoning Rod Blagojevich

Rod Blagojevich Enters Prison

Blagojevich Reports to Prison -- Wall Street Journal/AP

LITTLETON, Colo.—Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich entered a federal prison in Colorado on Thursday to begin a 14-year sentence for corruption, the latest chapter in the downfall of the charismatic politician.

Followed by helicopters and television news crews, the 55-year-old Democrat pulled up in a black SUV at the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in suburban Denver just before 1 p.m. after stopping for lunch and taking a break to make a cellphone call.

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More News On Rod Blagojevich Going To Prison

Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich has last minute burger before starting 14-year prison sentence -- New York Post
Ex-Ill. Gov. Blagojevich begins prison term -- SFGate/AP
Ex-Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich walks into Colo. prison to begin 14-year sentence for corruption -- Star Tribune
US ex-governor heads to jail for corruption -- AFP
Ex-Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich enters Colo. prison to begin 14-year sentence for corruption -- Washington Post
Cameras in tow, Blagojevich surrenders to prison -- Reuters
Illinois' Rod Blagojevich, with small wave, enters federal prison -- L.A. Times
As Blagojevich Heads to Prison, What Will Become of His Hair? -- ABC News

My Comment: Unless something happens to him in prison, we are not going to hear from him for a very very long time.

Rod Blagojevich Goes To Prison

Blagojevich Says Goodbye Before Prison -- CNN

Chicago (CNN) -- Crowded by sign-wielding supporters, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich made what's expected to be his final speech before he heads to Colorado to start a 14-year prison sentence on a corruption conviction.

"This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do," he told the crowd. "But this is the law and we follow the law."

Blagojevich was convicted of corruption in June 2011 after a jury returned 17 guilty verdicts against him. Among other allegations, he was accused of trying to profit as he considered whom to appoint to take Barack Obama's open Senate seat.

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Update: Blagojevich On Going To Prison: ‘Hardest Thing I’ve Ever Had To Do’ -- CBS News Chicago

My Comment: He still believes that he has done nothing wrong. OK .... I am sure the parole board is going to be swayed by his argument. Otherwise .... I wish him the best (yeah right) for the next few years.

Rod Blagojevich Becomes Federal Prisoner Number 40892-424

Photo: Rod Blagojevich

Blagojevich Will Find Life Inside A Jolt, Ex-Inmates Say -- Politico

This week, Rod Blagojevich becomes federal prisoner number 40892-424.

The former Illinois governor is expected on Thursday to arrive at Englewood, a low-security facility in Littleton, Colo., located 15 miles southwest of Denver, to begin serving his 14-year sentence for corruption. Never one to shy away from the media spotlight, Blagojevich plans to make a final public statement in front of the cameras on Wednesday, just hours before he must leave behind his wife, Patti, and two young daughters, Amy, 15, and Anne, 8.

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My Comment: Good riddance.

A Blow For Illinois’s Blagojevich In Corruption Case

Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich is charged with 16 counts of corruption including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion, and making false statements to federal agents. (Nam Y. Huh/ AP/ File)

From The Christian Science Monitor:

Under threat of lengthy jail time, his former chief of staff agreed on Wednesday to be a prosecution witness.

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s campaign to clear his name of corruption charges suffered a major blow Tuesday when John Harris, his former chief of staff, entered a plea agreement with the US Attorney’s Office in Chicago.

Mr. Harris pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, and he pledged cooporation with prosecutors in exchange for a lighter sentence if convicted.

Mr. Blagojevich is charged with 16 counts of corruption including racketeering conspiracy, wire fraud, extortion conspiracy, attempted extortion, and making false statements to federal agents. He has insisted he is innocent of all charges.

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My Comment: This guy deserves to go to jail, but he is going to turn others in to save his skin from going to jail.

Would You Buy Blagojevich's Book?

From The State Journal Register:

Springfield-area lawmakers aren’t surprised former Gov. Rod Blagojevich is promising to tell all in the book deal his publicist announced Monday. But don’t expect to see them lining up at a bookstore for a copy.

Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, scoffed at the promise by Blagojevich to expose the “dark side” of state politics. Bomke also noted that the reported “six-figure deal” could be for anywhere from $100,000 to nearly $1 million.

In any case, he won’t be buying a copy.

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My Comment: Three things on my mind. (1) Who would pay this ex-Gov. money for a book? (2) Who would buy the book? .... OK .... journalists and politicians would .... but that is about it. (3) What a waste of good trees.

Sun-Times Exclusive: Blagojevich Hit Up Burris For Cash

Rod Blagojevich introduces Sen. Roland Burris as his choice to fill Barack Obama's then-vacant Senate seat in December 2008. Burris acknowledges that Blagojevich sought $10,000 in campaign contributions from Burris. (Richard A. Chapman/Sun-Times)

From Chicago Sun Times:

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s brother solicited U.S. Sen. Roland Burris for up to $10,000 in campaign cash before Blagojevich named Burris to the coveted post — something Burris initially failed to disclose under oath before an Illinois House impeachment panel, records and interviews show.

Burris acknowledges being hit up for the money in a new affidavit he has sent to the head of the House committee that recommended Blagojevich be removed from office.

The affidavit is dated Feb. 5 — three weeks after Burris was sworn in to replace President Obama in the Senate.

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Update: Burris confirms request for Blagojevich donation -- Myway/AP

My Comment: Three different versions on his relationship with former Governor Blagojevich. Any bets that there will be a fourth one coming out soon?