#Blagojevich en route to Colorado to begin life as Inmate No. 40892-424 http://t.co/xpcYcmLF
— Crain's Chicago (@CrainsChicago) March 15, 2012
Blagojevich left his home early Thursday for the trip that will end at a federal prison in Colorado, the latest chapter in a stunning downfall of a charismatic politician that has seemed more like a bizarre reality TV show than a legal battle.
In what has become a familiar scene in the three years since Blagojevich was taken out of his home in handcuffs by federal agents, the former governor bounded down the stairs of his home on Chicago’s North Side as a throng of cameramen, photographers and reporters crushed around him and well-wishers shouted encouragement.
And, as he has done repeatedly before and after his conviction on federal corruption charges, Blagojevich sounded an optimistic and even defiant note.
“I’m leaving with a heavy heart, a clear conscience and I have high, high hopes for the future,” said Blagojevich, wearing a dark shirt, sport coat and blue jeans.
Earlier at Twitchy, the press gaggle outside of Blagojevich’s house.
Many are the unindicted co-conspirators that Fitzgerald declined to prosecute . . . because?
"Don't change the TV channel, esp if women's track is on." – @JeffSmithMo w/ some prison tips for Blago. http://t.co/A8wBIRwm
— Jason Zengerle (@zengerle) March 15, 2012
https://twitter.com/#!/theanonirc/status/180251972690116609
MT @politico: .@mj_politico reports – Jack Abramoff says Blago will be “the celebrity” of the prison he's headed to: http://t.co/0bzEHb04
— Mackenzie Weinger (@mweinger) March 15, 2012
Blago goes to jail today. In my lifetime there have been 6 Govs from my home state of IL, 3 have gone or are in prison. Pathetic
— Rick Wiley (@rick_wiley) March 15, 2012
Read more: http://twitchy.com/2012/03/15/blago-heads-to-colo-prison/