Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was greeted by a mass of reporters as he left his house to begin a 14-year prison sentence for corruption.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) FORMER ILLINOIS GOVERNOR ROD BLAGOJEVICH, SAYING:
"Saying goodbye is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. I'm leaving with a heavy heart, a clear conscience, but I have high, high hopes for the future. And among the hopes is now you guys can go home and our neighbors can get their neighborhood back."
Blagojevich was convicted on several federal corruption charges that included conspiring to sell the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama in return for political favors and donations.
The outspoken Democrat has refused to apologize for his actions -- saying he is appealling the case. The 55-year-old begins serving his sentence at a Colorado prison on Thursday.
Deborah Gembara, Reuters.
