Ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich told a federal judge at his sentencing hearing this morning that he accepts his guilt and is sorry.

Before speaking, Blagojevich rose in the crowded courtroom, told his wife his loves her and approached the podium.

Moments earlier, prosecutors told a federal judge that Blagojevich should be handed a stiff sentence on corruption charges, disputing defense claims that the former governor’s actions never hurt anyone.

Prosecutor Reid Schar said Blagojevich held up funding to every hospital in the state for 30 days and held up an appointment to the Senate seat while crucial votes were being taken.

Schar says what Blagojevich did “eroded” public confidence in government.

Blagojevich was expected to address the judge before learning his punishment for corruption convictions that include trying to sell an appointment to President Barack Obama’s old Senate seat.

Blagojevich’s attorneys admitted for the first time Tuesday that he’s guilty of corruption, but said the sentence of 15 to 20 years prosecutors want is too harsh.

(Source: Chicago Tribune)