CHICAGO (AP) — Prosecutors are beginning their final argument to a judge they hope will impose a stiff prison sentence on former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich by disputing the argument that Blagojevich’s actions never hurt anyone.
Prosecutor Reid Schar says Blagojevich held up funding to every hospital in the state for 30 days and held up an appointment to the Senate seat while crucial votes were being taken.
Schar says what Blagojevich did “eroded” public confidence in government.
Blagojevich is expected to address the judge before learning his punishment for corruption convictions that include trying to sell an appointment to President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat.
Blagojevich’s attorneys admitted for the first time Tuesday that he’s guilty of corruption, but said the sentence of 15 to 20 years prosecutors want is too harsh.
