Garrett on Blagojevich: 'We Deserve Better'

Former Illinois governor was sentenced to 14 years in prison Wednesday. Here's what local politicians had to say about the sentencing.

 Judge Zagel's sentence is a clear warning to all elected officials that public corruption of any form will not be tolerated. Illinois families have long suffered from an estimated $500 million hidden corruption tax. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald has done a great service to Illinois by bringing two criminal governors to justice.

 Justice was served in the sentencing of Governor Blagojevich today. This type of behavior highlights why Congressional Pensions need reform.

 Since I was elected to the Illinois legislature in 1998, I served under two governors, both of whom have gone to prison... We deserve better.

State Treasurer Dan Rutherford: Rod Blagojevich brought the 14 year sentence on himself. He deceived the people of Illinois far too long for what the jury substantiated as his own personal gain. Today’s sentencing is proof that such corrupt, embarrassing behavior will no longer be tolerated in Illinois.