(AP) – The Rev. Jesse Jackson is urging President Donald Trump to pardon former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich (pictured) 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.
