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* We talked about this yesterday…
The U.S. Supreme Court announced Monday it will not hear former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appeal, marking the end of a decadelong legal road and virtually guaranteeing he will remain in prison until 2024 barring a presidential pardon or commutation.
* AP…
A Monday statement from Patti Blagojevich says she understands “the judiciary” is “no longer an option” for winning her 61-year-old husband’s release. […]
With legal avenues closed, Blagojevich’s wife says they’ll have to put their “faith elsewhere and find another way.”
* ABC 7…
Following the Supreme Court decision, Mrs. Blagojevich early Monday declined interview requests. A spokesperson for a public relations firm retained by the Blagojevich family asked that news organizations “respect her privacy.” Then on Monday night, she showed up live on a Fox News national show to lobby President Trump, a regular Fox viewer, for her husband’s freedom.
* Sun-Times…
Patti Blagojevich took to Fox News — the president’s favorite TV channel — on Monday night to express her disappointment in the ruling.
But she sidestepped the chance to make a direct appeal to Trump when host Tucker Carlson asked her to make her “pitch” for a presidential pardon.
“We were so disappointed today that the Supreme did not decide to take up our case and end this very dangerous conflict in we have now in the law,” Patti Blagojevich said.
“This is dangerous because it allows the FBI and power-hungry, overzealous prosecutors like [former Chicago U.S. Attorney] Patrick Fitzgerald to go after anyone that they don’t like. just because that person might be unpopular or controversial.”
* Politico…
In some ways, this couldn’t be better timing for the Blagojeviches to tap into Trump’s fury with the FBI and federal prosecutors. Patti Blagojevich’s words on FOX came on the same day Trump attorney Michael Cohen appeared in court and just as former FBI Director James Comey embarks on a media blitz blasting Trump as morally corrupt. Trump knows the former governor, having had Blagojevich as a guest on “Celebrity Apprentice” before the 2010 federal trial.
While on FOX, Mrs. Blagojevich took great care to make clear that the U.S. Attorney in her husband’s case, Patrick Fitzgerald, was the same person who prosecuted I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby. Fitzgerald was appointed special prosecutor in the leak case that resulted in Libby’s conviction. Trump pardoned Libby on Friday. “This is so dangerous because it allows the FBI and power-hungry, overzealous prosecutors like Patrick Fitzgerald who prosecuted both my husband and Scooter Libby to go after anyone that they don’t like just because they’re unpopular or controversial,” Mrs. Blagojevich said. As a side note, Patti Blagojevich also gave an interview to Larry Yellen at the local FOX32 station. Yellen said his interview took place before she appeared on Carlson’s show.
* CBS 2…
If the president wishes to help Blagojevich, he has two options for clemency.
“[Trump] can pardon [Blagojevich], which means the case is over, he gets out of jail. It doesn’t mean he’s innocent, but the case is over. Or he could commute the sentence,” CBS 2 Legal Analyst Irv Miller said.
By commuting the sentence, Trump could allow Blagojevich to go free sooner than his scheduled 2024 release date.
Blagojevich is no stranger to Trump. While awaiting his corruption trial, Blagojevich was a contestant on Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice reality show.
…Adding… Sun-Times editorial…
Pardoning Libby was Trump’s way of emphasizing his disdain for the current Russian-collusion investigation by special prosecutor Robert Mueller. It also was his way, we suspect, of signaling to former aides and allies targeted by Mueller, such as his attorney Michael Cohen, that he’s ready to bail them out if they refuse to flip.
Trump is utterly transactional. He gives only to get.
And we can’t see what Blagojevich has got to trade.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:35 am
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While I believe he was guilty. I also feel the sentence was excessive. I think the time served is enough. However; I am fully aware his only hope lies in a long shot Presidential pardon. I don’t believe that will be coming soon.
Comment by Retired Educator Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:43 am
Nothing to lose. If Patti B. could generate some tears from the couch potatoes on “Fox and Friends” about “overzealous prosecutors” and mean old FISA Judge Zagel, that might do the trick.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:46 am
Who’s next on Fox asking for a pardon — Jon Burge?
Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:46 am
I can’t blame Mrs. Blago for going at every angle to get her husband out of prison sooner. Family stuff is blinding. But if Trump even thinks about pardoning or commuting Blago’s sentence, then he’ll be in a political world of hurt. Not that that has ever stopped him.
Let’s give it a 10% chance that we’ll see Blago outside of his jumpsuit before 2024.
Comment by Chicago_Downstater Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:47 am
If Trump could think strategically, and wanted to help Rauner, he’d do it, or at least make a big public show of considering it. Putting Blago back in the news helps no Democrat in IL.
But he can’t think that way and doesn’t care about Rauner anyway, so he probably won’t.
Comment by Arsenal Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:48 am
Blago’s conduct while in office was utterly disgraceful. He deserved to be removed from office and held accountable for his actions.
Like Retired Educator, however, I think the sentence was excessive and far our of proportion to his conduct. It’s time to let him go free.
Comment by slow down Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:48 am
Gotta admire her for trying so hard, if nothing else.
Comment by wondering Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:49 am
Blagojevich did not impress Trump during that season. Rod’s power is his charm, but Trump’s is action, so the President sees Rod as a lazy guy who can only sell himself to people who aren’t focused on results.
Trump likes Rauner even less.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:51 am
If only Trump knew how much Rod hated Obama…
Comment by Ok Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:52 am
I knew someone who strangled his friend/acquaintance and got something like a four-year sentence for voluntary manslaughter. This person got out of jail in a little more than two years, if I remember right.
In this contex I think Blago should be pardoned. I think it’s terrible what he did and thought he was bad news in his first term, but when violent criminals get shorter sentences, it puts things in a different perspective.
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:53 am
First Arpaio, then Libby. Trump might as well go for the convicted “hat trick” with Rod.
Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:54 am
I hope pardons him just so we can see what Rauner thinks of this.
Comment by Almost the Weekend Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:56 am
It is ironic that Blago’s only hope now is a pardon, a responsibility as Governor he refused to accept.
Comment by Just Me Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:56 am
I hope somebody asks JB if he is in agreement with the SC ruling with respect to Blago’s appeal.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:58 am
“…just because that person might be unpopular or controversial”
Right, Patti, thats the only reason the FBI and prosecutors “went after him”
Rod remains Illinois reverse Midas, especially to the Democratic Party. Everything he touched not only did not turn to gold, but rather to ruin. So many good people who’s resume’s are tainted; lawmakers who trusted him; we got Pat Quinn… on and on and on
Comment by low level Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:59 am
This is probably the smartest and best chance since Rod’d sentencing to get some relief from its length… going on Fox…
I do not support a pardon. Nope.
I do support a commuting to “time served” and his release…
…if…
Rod can release a statment of remorse while waiting, and include an ownership, and an apology to the people of Illinois.
Otherwise, the sentence Rod got is reflective of both the parameters of the sentencing guidelines, and Rod’s persona and lack of taking responsibility during the sentencing phase, and the days before that sentencing occurred.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:59 am
It’s hard to gain sympathy for Blago. Most people I know don’t believe his sentence was too harsh. It’s not really given much thought. If anything, they just want him to go away.
Comment by People Over Parties Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:00 am
“If anything, they just want him to go away.”
Agree completely, but at least he gives us someone to compare Rauner to….
Comment by downstate commissioner Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:07 am
It’s wacky Tuesday. I agree with Willy. Blago and his conduct were contemptible. Pardon? No way. Commuting his sentence? Worth strong consideration. I’d add to those conditions Willy laid out, some community service demonstrating contrition.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:07 am
In the grand scheme of things, when you think about the S&L crisis, the 2008 banking scandals, and the Equifax breach, in which NOBODY went to jail in any of those cases, Blago’s sentence seems excessive.
I say commute it to time served. His crime did not have as far-reaching effects as those mentioned above.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:10 am
As a state employee who worked under the blago reign
I don’t feel sorry for him or his family
He treated us like ……
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:10 am
A federal pardon could:
1. reopen state case
2. get an explanation of how GovJunk pal Stu Levine got all those appts.
But before we get too weepy lets remember the Blagoofians were selling everything before Day 1.
It has been refreshing to see the Tribbies acknowledge their scheme and how they have never told when they went to the G to report the Blagoof plan.
Comment by Annonin' Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:17 am
Maybe Sean Hannity could recommend a good lawyer.
Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:21 am
A statement of remorse would go a long way towards softening some of the public opinion re rod. There shouldnt be clemency without it. But this is “it was just politics…play all the tapes” rod. And you cant have rod feign responsibikity, and patti undercut it.
Comment by Langhorne Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:29 am
In today’s political climate I think it’s plausible that it could happen.
Comment by Stones Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:33 am
I agree with the opinion that Blago’s sentence was grossly excessive. Commutation to time served is appropriate.
Comment by d.p.gumby Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:37 am
I would cheerfully agree to start a petition to have Blagojevic’s sentence commuted to time served if he would agree to go away and never be heard from again.
Comment by Bigtwich Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:37 am
Blagojevich’s sentence should end well after 2035. The insidious effect public corruption has cannot be understated.
Comment by Chris Widger Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:41 am
Several comments claim belief in Blago’s guilt but lament the tough sentence.
Had the ex-Gov received a light sentence, he’d be out of prison now running for IL Attorney General after never admitting fault or remorse and playing the eternal victim.
Comment by Remorseless Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:42 am
I think 14 years is a long sentence, and then I remember the testimony of him holding up a Children’s Hospital expansion over a campaign donation. And holding up a transfer of a single nursing license, because she picked the wrong legislator to take up her cause.
He was truly an evil man that used health care on a personal level to serve his own ambitions and grievances.
Comment by Downstate Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:42 am
===he’d be out of prison now running for IL Attorney General===
C’mon. He’s permanently banned from running for state and local office.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:45 am
I agree with commuting to time served. I see him as being one of the more clueless and lazy individuals in the world. What he did was illegal, unethical, but also clueless. He doesn’t rise to the level of evil the way we use the term evil these days. Ryan got 6 years. That should have been enough for Rod.
Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 10:56 am
How about a Real Tell All Book?
Expose everything and everybody as an act of contrition.
If sentence is commuted / pardoned.
Comment by A Deal Deal Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 11:04 am
===Ryan got 6 years. That should have been enough for Rod.===
Did you not notice that Ryan’s sentence didn’t phase Rod?
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 11:06 am
If Rod were out, he could get himself on TV occasionally and ratchet up the volume of chaos in the news cycle. Fox could have him on periodically to bad rap Obama, the DOJ, all other Illinois Democrats, the media, federal judges, federal prisons, etc. Trump could use some sound and fury signifying nothing these days, and Rod can fill that order.
Comment by Quizzical Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 11:06 am
===Did you not notice that Ryan’s sentence didn’t phase Rod?===
Factor that truth and Rod’s combative way, even after conviction… Rod learned nothing from previous cases, so, when sentencing came…
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 11:10 am
That is a good point Rich. Rod didn’t take notice of Ryan’s sentence. I’m still going with clueless rather than evil and adding not very bright. I’m just glad he’s gone. I wish people would quit voting for people of his ilk.
Comment by Thoughts Matter Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 11:13 am
he’s a waste of prison space. he’s been in long enough. his life is ruined in so many ways. I don’t agree with Patti’s logic, but she is fighting for her family. we need more prison spaces for violent offenders. not this guy.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 11:29 am
What a wise take on the matter
“Otherwise, the sentence Rod got is reflective of both the parameters of the sentencing guidelines, and Rod’s persona and lack of taking responsibility during the sentencing phase,…”
Comment by Leave a Light on George Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 11:31 am
“And we can’t see what Blagojevich has got to trade.”
Hah. Good thing. That’s what got him in trouble in the first place.
Comment by Leave a Light on George Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 11:34 am
(Tips cap to - Leave a Light on George -)
To Patti,
The irony now might be, while the smart thing to “normally” do is gin up sympathy for a remorseful prisoner…
… these times require anger at the institutions to gin up “bayback” against the institutions by using prisoners, convicteds, or the indicted.
Third world countries are good at that.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 11:37 am
===Did you not notice that Ryan’s sentence didn’t phase Rod?===
Whoa. If that’s the standard, bring back the Death Penalty with no trial. Nothing phases Rod.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 11:48 am
That Ryan’s sentence didn’t seem to faze Rod was a reason I thought of but could not find a pithy way to articulate in yesterday’s comments. Maybe Judge Zagel used an elephant gun in sentencing Blago, but when corruption sentences at the Governor level seem to have no effect on curbing corruption I have no problem with a judge crafting a stiffer sentence that maybe, just maybe, might get the next Gov’s attention.
Comment by 37B Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 12:34 pm
There are many people worse than Patti Blagojevich, but few less sympathetic.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 12:51 pm
Maybe Patty could volunteer to serve out the rest of his sentence.
Comment by Cheryl44 Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 1:20 pm
C44, Who exactly are you trying to punish? The public or Patty?
Comment by A guy Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 2:35 pm
Lot him out with the stipulation that he and Patti rotate through Chicago Public Schools cleaning the bathrooms for number of years left on his sentence
Comment by cc Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 3:19 pm
The Sun-Times editorial board is a little naive there. Rod was effectively convicted for mixing politics with government, which is not a far cry from mixing personal business with government, the thing at the heart of the Russia investigation. Throw in RB’s conviction for lying to the FBI, and i could see another pardon being the chaser to the Libby shot.
Comment by Conn Smythe Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 3:45 pm
Blagojevich was convicted for conspiracy, which means what he was accused of didn’t actually happen, and made an example of. He made an enemy of Michael Madigan, and was sent to prison. IMHO, the only thing he was guilty of was shaking down a children’s hospital for campaign cash. He’s served long enough, and the conversation with Pritzker proves what he said in his book, which I’ve read and listened to, that he was going to appoint Lisa Madigan to the Senate seat in exchange for a capital bill. He’s served long enough. Let him go.
Comment by Hottot Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 3:56 pm
“Attempted” murder is still a crime.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 4:19 pm
“Attempted” murder is still a crime.”
Attempting to take someone’s life is different than attempting to sell a Senate seat, which no attempt was made, he talked about it. He was wrong for trying to shake down the children’s hospital, but no one would’ve gotten as much time as he did. He’s been in long enough.
Comment by Hottot Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 4:26 pm
==He was wrong for trying to shake down the children’s hospital==
I will entertain a commutation when Blago admits to that.
Comment by Jocko Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 4:43 pm
In Blagojevich’s case, as in any case where public trust is violated, the victims are every resident of the state. He was actually sentenced on the lower end of the guidelines. And In the words of the appellate court the evidence against him was “overwhelming”.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 5:03 pm
Patti is suffering from her husband’s jail term. There is still 6 plus years to go. But a crime was committed. And I feel the time is not excessive.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 5:08 pm
My sympathy for Blagojevich’s family is strongly tempered by the fact that he used them as human shields to protect himself from any criticism over his misgovernment, but yet he never seemed to act on his crocodile tears about how being Governor was too hard on his family. What is he doing now but playing from that same playbook?
Also agree with the sentiment that the entire state were victims of Blagojevich’s crimes, and therefore his sentence was appropriate. Governors should be held to a higher standard for conduct with the public trust.
Comment by Graduated College Student Tuesday, Apr 17, 18 @ 9:58 pm
“…that he was going to appoint Lisa Madigan to the Senate seat in exchange for a capital bill”. Lol.
Dude, she wouldn’t have accepted that appointment and by then. The cash “gifts” that were reported from his childhood buddy made the family break off whatever ties there were by the time of the tapes.
Dont let yourself be swayed by the disturbed personalty that was/is Blagojevich.
Comment by low level Wednesday, Apr 18, 18 @ 7:41 am