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Trump Says Blagojevich Sentence Was ‘Ridiculous.’ What Do Locals Say?


President Donald Trump’s commutation of Rod Blagojevich’s 14-year sentence ends a corruption saga that has been both notorious and bizarre.

Beyond the legal issues, it included appearances by both Blagojevich and his wife on reality television shows. Patti Blagojevich famously ate a tarantula on national TV.

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For some, including Trump, the sentence was too long.

Others, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, argue the commutation sends the wrong message, especially in the midst of another federal corruption probe.

Blagojevich was convicted in 2011 on charges including wire fraud, attempted extortion, bribery and conspiracy for attempting to sell the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.

“Chicago Tonight” host Carol Marin, Blagojevich family lawyer Len Goodman and Republican state Sen. Dale Righter of Mattoon discuss the significance of Trump’s move.


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