Former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich Speaks

Former Ill. Gov. Rod Blagojevich:  "Let me begin by first and foremost thanking my legal team." [Lists lawyers by name]

"Let me also express my appreciation to men and women who served on the jury....Thank them for their hard work and for the sacrifice they made."

Told people of Illinois "I didn't do anything wrong...persecute me...This jury just showed you...that government threw everything but kitchen sink at me...couldn't prove I broke any laws except for one nebulous conversation five years ago..."

"I did not lie to the FBI.... This is a persecution..."