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Blagojevich: 'I, Frankly, Am Stunned' by Verdict

But in an uncharacteristic move, he has little else to say

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Jun 28, 2011 8:57 AM CDT

(Newser) – A classic response from Rod Blagojevich following his conviction on 17 out of 20 charges yesterday: “I, frankly, am stunned,” he said outside the courtroom. But he has, at least, learned something from the experience, Politico reports: namely, that he should "try to speak a little bit less, so I’m going to keep my remarks kind of short. Patti and I are very disappointed in the outcome.” He added that they were headed home to "explain things" to their daughters.

Blago is now barred from leaving northern Illinois without permission from the court, the Chicago Tribune reports. US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, who famously said that Blago's misdeeds would make Abe Lincoln "roll over in his grave," called the moment "bittersweet," and recalled the federal conviction of Blago's predecessor in 2006: “Five years ago, another jury sent another message that corruption in Illinois is not tolerable. Gov. Blagojevich did not get that message.”

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks to the media at the Federal Courthouse Monday, June 27, 2011 in Chicago.
Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks to the media at the Federal Courthouse Monday, June 27, 2011 in Chicago.   (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 19 comments
Nora_Kit
Jun 28, 2011 12:13 PM CDT
I think people in general are stunned how clueless this individual is.
SC23
Jun 28, 2011 12:12 PM CDT
And interestingly enough..no mention of Obama in the press during this whole ordeal..which revolved around him. Blago should count himself lucky it wasnt a Clinton. Those guys just mysteriously died in planes, trains, and suicides.
RinoHunter
Jun 28, 2011 9:14 AM CDT
Stunned?  Blago will be really stunned when he meets his new roommate:  Big John.

More Newser Stories

Blagojevich Guilty on 17 of 20 Charges

For Blago, 71 Days of Freedom Left

Blagojevich Gets 14 Years

Blagojevich Demands Yet Another Trial

Blagojevich: 'F***ing Golden' Remark Was 'War-Gaming'


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