(AP) - A federal judge has sentenced Rod Blagojevich to14 years for corruption that included trying to sell or trade anappointment to the Senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama.
It's one of the stiffest penalties for corruption in a statewith a history of crooked politics.
Blagojevich apologized for his crimes and asked for mercy inaddressing the judge earlier Wednesday.
His attorneys had said the sentence of 15 to 20 yearsprosecutors wanted was too harsh.
He is the second successive Illinois governor sentenced forcorruption. His Republican predecessor, George Ryan, is serving a 61/2 year term.