Blagojevich Family Disappointed He Remains Behind Bars

John Gregory -- Illinois Radio Network

The family of Rod Blagojevich feels disappointment, along with just a hint of optimism, after five counts against the former governor were vacated.

Speaking outside the family’s home in Chicago, Blagojevich attorney Len Goodman blasted the ruling by the 7^th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, claiming it ignored problems in the original trial.

But it also gave the ex-governor some extra options on how to proceed by throwing out several counts related to Blagojevich’s attempt to sell the appointment to President Barack Obama’s old U.S. Senate seat. Unless prosecutors want to retry Blagojevich, he may be re-sentenced on affirmed charges. Goodman said filing another appeal is also on the table.

“We can ask the full court to look at the case. We can ask the U.S. Supreme Court to look at the case. We can do both. My advice to him is that we should fight on,” Goodman said.

Patti Blagojevich said her husband was disappointed by the ruling, but remains hopeful.

“My husband’s an eternal optimist. He’s always trying to find the upside, and we do believe that justice will prevail,” Blagojevich said.

Goodman says the governor will have to make a quick decision on his next move, as he has only two weeks to file a petition for re-hearing.