Judge upholds prison term for ex-Illinois governor

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CHICAGO (AP) — A federal judge who was ordered to resentence Rod Blagojevich has decided to keep the former Illinois governor’s original 14-year term on corruption counts.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel on Tuesday ignored pleas for leniency from Blagojevich’s wife and daughters in making the ruling. Blagojevich’s attorneys had asked for a 5-year reduced term after a federal appeals court. In making his decision Zagel said “these are serious crimes that had an impact on the people of Illinois.”

The judge also said it’s “an unfortunate reality” that Blagojevich’s innocent family members are made to suffer the consequences.

Blagojevich appeared at the sentencing via live video from prison. He looked down briefly when the judge announce his decision but otherwise stared ahead and held a straight face.

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