“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Blagojevich joins ranks of incarcerated Illinois governors
“mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;”> found guilty of 17 of 20 corruption charges, including attempting to sell the vacated U.S. Senate seat of President Barack Obama, he probably felt like one of characters in the Southwest Airlines commercial where they ask the question “Wanna get away?”
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Spirit Airlines sort of stole my joke by running an advertisement featuring a mop-haired Blago look-a-like touting “f-ing golden” low fares.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>That’s funny, but what isn’t funny is the prospect that, when Blagojevich is sentenced on August 1, he could faces up to 300 years in prison. Federal sentencing guidelines would probably allow for the charges to run concurrently, netting Blago at least a decade behind bars.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>It’s up to the discretion of U.S. District Judge James Zagel, who told Blagojevich that he is forbidden to travel outside northern Illinois without permission.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Blagojevich will join the fraternity of incarcerated Illinois governors: George Ryan (governor, 1999-2003) is currently serving a 6 ½ year sentence for racketeering. Dan Walker (governor, 1973-77) was guilty of bank fraud. Otto Kerner (governor, 1961-68) resigned to become judge, and then was convicted on bribery charges stemming from his tenure as governor.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Blago (in his words) was “stunned” upon learning the verdict, and it’s understandable. In the years since his arrest in December 2008, Blagojevich was impeached and removed from office, wrote a memoir, appeared on numerous talk shows, hosted a radio show and was even fired by Donald Trump on
“mso-bidi-font-style: normal;”>Celebrity Apprentice while denying his guilt.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>During his trial, Blago referred to recorded calls – in which he appears to negotiate a high-ranking job for himself in the Obama administration, in exchange for appointing someone to Obama’s old Senate seat – as “horse-trading” versus being a criminal offense.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>The ex-governor/ TV star is clearly in denial, but what is
“mso-bidi-font-style: normal;”>undeniable have a long time to repent and reflect on his criminal behavior, propensity for having “diarrhea of the mouth,” and for his ego-driven denial of what were clearly high crimes by an elected official.
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>But, prison time aside, the major challenge for Blago will be the ever-looming question of how will he maintain that famous mane of black, sheep-like hair that he has become famous for sporting?
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Life in the federal prison might make grooming, regular haircuts, access to his favorite shampoo, conditioner and hair dye rather difficult. And what about a decent blow-dryer?
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>For those of us who are more “follicly challenged,” it’s a trivial concern; but when you’re “Hot Rod” Blagojevich even the possibility of a bad hair day is a BIG deal!
“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>With his TV experience and persona, natural charisma and gift of gab, I’m sure that the next season of cable TV’s
“mso-bidi-font-style: normal;”>Lockdown breakout reality TV superstar in Rod “Hollywood” Blagojevich.
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“font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Verdana;”>Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com.
