The Associated Press
CHICAGO - Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich embraced the public spotlight one last time Wednesday before reporting to prison, saying he always believed what he did was legal and that he has faith the appeal of his corruption convictions would be successful.
The famously talkative Blagojevich seemed to relish the attention as he spoke to a throng of television cameras, reporters and well-wishers outside his Chicago home. In less than 24 hours, he was due to arrive at a Colorado prison to begin a 14-year sentence on corruption charges, including that he tried to sell or trade an appointment to President Obama's vacated Senate seat.
"We have great trust and faith in the appeal. And 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," the impeached governor said with his wife at his side.
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"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."
The 55-year-old father of two daughters appeared emotional at times, but then he appeared to be back on the campaign stump.
Blagojevich said preparing to leave for prison is "the hardest thing I've ever done" and that he had difficulty even saying he was going to prison. But he also insisted that he always did what he thought was right for Illinois, saying he "actually helped real, ordinary people" and listed what he believed were accomplishments as governor, including expanding health care for children and not raising taxes.
Although he apologized for his actions during his sentencing in December, Blagojevich seemed less contrite on Wednesday. He said he took responsibility for saying the things jurors heard on FBI tapes played during his trials, but that he always believed what he was doing "was on the right side of the law."
Blagojevich was convicted of 18 criminal counts during two trials.
When he reports today to the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in suburban Denver, he will become the second Illinois governor in a row sent to prison for corruption. Former Gov. George Ryan is serving a 6 1/2-year sentence in a federal prison in Terre Haute, Ind.
Blagojevich's attorneys said he wanted to depart in a dignified way, without a media frenzy. But he timed his departing statement to begin at precisely 5:02 p.m. so it could appear live on the evening news. His publicist even gave a two-minute warning via Twitter so newscasts could be ready.
More than 50 reporters crowded to hear the former governor as two television helicopters hovered overhead.
Blagojevich, whose penchant for expensive suits and lavish spending were outlined at his first trial, will have no luxuries in Colorado.
The prison complex is encircled by double razor-wire fencing and is well-guarded. Inside, Blagojevich's life will be strictly regimented: He must wake at dawn, work a menial prison job eight hours a day and submit to head counts at all hours of the day.
"This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do," Blagojevich told the crowd. But it is the law, and we follow the law, and I will begin to do that tomorrow."
