Blagojevich’s lawyers portrays him as good-hearted, caring man

As impeached ex-Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's legal team has abandoned hope of him avoiding prison altogether, his lawyers are now portraying him as a good-hearted and caring family man and politician.

Blagojevich's lawyer Aaron Goldstein acknowledged wrongdoing by the ex-governor, but requested the court to show mercy to his client.

Blagojevich's wife, Patti Blagojevich, wrote a letter U. S. District Judge James Zagel, requesting, "Your honor, I ask you humbly with the life of my husband and the childhood of my daughters in your hands, be merciful."

Blagojevich's another lawyer Sheldon Sorosky stressed that Blagojevich deserved leniency as the crime committed by him didn't call for a 15-year prison sentence.

The allegation in the case was that the ex-Illinois Governor had tried to sell the U. S. Senate seat held by Barack Obama when he shifted to the White House.

Sorosky admitted that the ex-governor had committed a crime when he had asked for a job in return for appointing Barack Obama's friend Valerie Jarrett.

But, Judge Zagel declared he would adopt a hard-line approach to interpret sentencing guidelines.

Blagojevich, who has been hit with 18 criminal counts, is yet to speak on his own behalf.