Statements from local congressmen concerning the Blagojevich sentence of 11.9 years in jail (assuming good behavior):

Former IL Governor Rod Blagojevich Sentenced to 14 Years

CHICAGO…..Impeached Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was sentenced in Federal Court Wednesday to 14 years, for guilty verdicts on 18 different counts of corruption February 16, 2012 to begin serving at a minimum 85% of his sentence or at least 11 years 9 months.

State Representative Mike Tryon (R-Crystal Lake) said he felt the judge’s decision was fair.

“I think this sentence sends a strong message that corruption will not be tolerated in the State of Illinois,” he said. “While I do feel bad for his family, it is important that justice was done, so that all elected officials know that abuses of office come with stiff penalties.”

As a participant in the actions taken by the General Assembly last year to remove Blagojevich from office, Tryon said he hopes that with Wednesday’s sentencing, Rod Blagojevich and the shame he has brought on the State of Illinois can finally be put in the past.

“Now that this case is finally behind us, we need to look to the future and concentrate our efforts on the real issues that we need to be discussing in the legislature,” Tryon said.

“While we need to do what we can to make sure that abuses like those for which the former governor was convicted never occur again, our focus needs to be on putting Illinoisans back to work and getting the State’s finances under control.”

Duffy Decries “Culture of Corruption”

“My thoughts and prayers are with Rod Blagojevich’s family.

“Blagojevich did not commit all of those crimes alone.

“I hope this sends a clear message to all of the people in Springfield who have participated in the culture of corruption – by their actions or their conscious decision not to take any action when they saw corrupt activities taking place.”

Jack Franks Comments on Blagojevich’s Punishment

“Today, justice has been done. The deliberate acts of bribery, extortion and fraud that ultimately led to this day warrant a punishment tantamount to the serious nature of Blagojevich’s crimes.

“Let this day be a firm warning to those in public service – we will not rest until integrity and accountability serve as the rule, not the exception, in state government.”

“With this verdict we all must reaffirm our commitment to ridding Illinois of leaders that allow personal ambition to trump the public good. I remain devoted to eliminating pay-to-play politics and a culture of corruption that has permeated Illinois politics.”

“The Blagojevich saga has come to end, but the challenges our state faces remain. We owe the people of Illinois a government that pays its bills and one that cultivates entrepreneurial spirit and nurtures economic growth.

“We owe the people of Illinois an honest government that works for their interests.”

Hultgren Statement on Blagojevich Sentencing

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement in response to the sentencing of former Governor Rod Blagojevich to prison for 14 years.

“This is the second consecutive governor from Illinois to be sent to a federal penitentiary, a stark reminder that public office should never be used for personal gain,” said Hultgren.

“I had the responsibility of voting to impeach former Governor Blagojevich when I served in the Illinois Senate and I said then that it is right and proper for the citizens in Illinois to be sick and tired of their elected officials being involved in pay-to-play, patterns of abuse of power, and cultures of corruption.

“I knew then, just as I do now, that we will never realize the true cost of political corruption and the financial repercussions of former Governor Blagojevich’s abuses of power will be felt throughout this state for generations. We must continue to root out corruption and wrongdoing in government at all levels so we can restore the respect to the citizens that they so rightly deserve.”

Manzullo Issues Statement on Blagojevich Sentencing

[WASHINGTON]  –  Congressman Don Manzullo (R-Egan) issued the following statement today reacting to U.S. District Judge James Zagel’s sentencing of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich to 14 years in prison on federal corruption charges:

“Today, years of corruption caught up with Rod Blagojevich. His reckless disregard of his oath to the people made a mockery of the Governor’s office, shattered the public’s confidence in public service, and pushed the State of Illinois into a huge economic hole. He deserved every one of the 14 years in prison he received today.

“I would hope that Judge Zagel’s sentence finally gets through to the politicians in this state who continue to abuse the public trust for personal gain. We have had enough of this in the State of Illinois. The people of this great state need reassurances that the people they place in public office are honorable, ethical, and act on the public’s best interests. It is a tremendous honor to represent the people, and it’s time all public officials in our state act like it.”

Rep. Gaffney Statement on Sentencing of Rod Blagojevich

Wauconda, IL… State Representative Kent Gaffney (R-Lake Barrington) released the following statement Wednesday regarding the sentencing of convicted former governor Rod Blagojevich:

“Rod Blagojevich has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for actions that amounted to a political crime spree. Blagojevich attempted to sell the vacant U.S. Senate seat of President Obama for his own personal gain. He held up legislation and critical funding for important programs in an effort to enrich his campaign fund.

“Rod Blagojevich will pay for his crimes against the citizens of Illinois by spending the next decade-plus in a federal prison. Justice has been served. Today’s sentencing sends a strong message that corrupt politicians will be held accountable for their actions.

“People are demanding accountability from their elected officials. To restore the public’s trust in our government, we must put an end to the culture of corruption in Illinois.”