Disgraced Democratic governor now an affirmed “Trump-ocrat.”

On Tuesday, President Trump granted Rod Blagojevich clemency. The former Illinois governor was serving a prison sentence for trying to sell former President Barack Obama's U.S. Senate seat as well as shaking down the executives of a children's hospital and the horse-racing industry for campaign contributions.

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February 19, 2020 - 11:04 AM

Just after returning to his Chicago home, Rod Blagojevich peeks from his window early Wednesday. President Trump commuted his sentence on Tuesday. Photo by (Chris Sweda / Chicago Tribune/TNS)

CHICAGO — With 20 minutes to spare, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich landed in Chicago the same day his 14-year prison sentence was commuted by President Donald Trump, signing autographs at O’Hare International Airport as he continued to insist on his innocence.

Repeating, “There’s no place like home,” Blagojevich stepped off the jetway bridge and immediately thanked Trump.

“I’m profoundly grateful to President Trump, and I will be for as long as I live,” Blagojevich told reporters. “He didn’t have to do this. He’s a Republican president. I was a Democratic governor. But he’s a man who’s not only tough and outspoken, strong, but he has a kind heart. And I’ll be forever grateful.”

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