Former Illinois governor Blagojevich thanks Trump for commuting sentence
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[February 20, 2020]
By Karl Plume
CHICAGO (Reuters) - Rod Blagojevich, a
former Illinois governor forced out of office for trying to peddle
Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat, thanked President Donald Trump
on Wednesday for commuting his prison sentence and again proclaimed his
innocence.
The 63-year-old Democrat was impeached and removed from office in 2009,
and convicted two years later of wire fraud, extortion and soliciting
bribes while serving as governor.
One of more than a half-dozen people pardoned or granted clemency by
Trump on Tuesday, Blagojevich was released on the same day after serving
eight years of a 14-year sentence.
"We want to express our most profound and everlasting gratitude to
President Trump," Blagojevich told reporters and curious onlookers as he
stood outside his home on Chicago's North Side, flanked by his wife and
two daughters. Nearby was a sign reading "Thank You Mr. President" and a
heart balloon swaying in the breeze.

Trump on Tuesday called Blagojevich's sentence "tremendously powerful,
ridiculous." The president's decision was criticized by both Democrats
and Republicans, including some who said that those convicted of
political corruption ought to be held accountable.
Speaking to the crowd of about 200 on Wednesday, Blagojevich recited a
poem, quoted from scripture and talked about the difficult living
conditions in prison.
"I am returning home today from a long exile, a freed political
prisoner," Blagojevich said.
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Rod Blagojevich, the ex-Illinois governor convicted of trying to
peddle Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat, waves as he exits
his home after speaking to reporters after U.S. President Donald
Trump commuted his prison sentence, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
February 19, 2020. REUTERS/Joshua Lott

Blagojevich referred to himself as a "Trumpocrat."
"It's been a long, long journey," he said.
One of the onlookers, Thurgood Papadopalous, held a large poster of
Blagojevich's face but disparaged the former governor to a reporter.
"He's a crook. Probably should have stayed in jail," Papadopalous,
33, said.
Blagojevich appeared on Trump's "Celebrity Apprentice" reality
television show in 2010 while awaiting trial.
"He didn't take any money. He's a good guy," said supporter Milan
Kostic, 65.
(Reporting by Karl Plume in Chicago; Writing by Brendan O'Brien;
Editing by Scott Malone and Matthew Lewis)
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