Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will squeeze in one last media appearance before heading to Colorado this week, where he will serve a 14-year prison sentence for corruption while in office.
A spokesperson for Blagojevich announced that he will make a statement at 5:02 p.m. Wednesday from his Ravenswood Manor home at 2934 W. Sunnyside Ave. The details of his remarks have not yet been released.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the former governor's timing is strategic, allowing his farewell statements to headline evening news programs. The 5:02 p.m. speech also comes less than 24 hours before Blagojevich is set to begin his sentence.
Blagojevich spokesperson Glenn Selig told NBC Chicago that the former governor "never considered 'sneaking' out of Chicago and miss an opportunity to say goodbye."
In advance of his departure, Mayor Rahm Emanuel expressed support for Blagojevich's family, and said only the "callous" wouldn't sympathize with the wife and children the ex-governor will leave behind.
Blagojevich leaves Thursday for Littleton, Colorado after reportedly requesting the low-security facility, which is in the foothills of the Colorado Rockies.
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