Jesse Jackson, son urge trump to pardon ex-Gov. Blagojevich
Posted July 16, 2019 7:00 am
CHICAGO (AP) - The Rev. Jesse Jackson is urging President Donald Trump to pardon former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for his corruption crimes.
Jackson and his son, Jesse Jackson Jr., say Blagojevich's 14-year prison sentence was "unfair and unnecessary." They say he was a governor who "cared for the people."
Blagojevich has served half of his sentence. He asked Trump last year to shorten it. The president has talked about releasing the ex-governor, saying he was convicted for "being stupid," but no action has been taken.
Illinois Republicans in Congress have asked Trump to reject a request for clemency.
Jesse Jackson Jr. is a former member of Congress who was convicted of using campaign money for personal purposes.
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