Blagojevich Supporters Plan Vigil

Jan 10, 2017 | WLSAM Staff

WASHINGTON (AP) — Under mounting pressure to free convicts as one last act, President Barack Obama is planning at least one more batch of pardons and commutations before leaving office in two weeks.

But don’t expect many famous offenders to make the list.

The list of bold names appealing to Obama for compassion in his final weeks includes accused leaker Chelsea Manning, former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.

White House officials say Obama’s final grants are expected to remain focused on the nonviolent drug offenders he’s sought to help during his second term.

That’s a contrast with former presidents like Bill Clinton. He ignited a major controversy in his final days when he pardoned fugitive financier Marc Rich, the ex-husband songwriter Denise Rich, a major Democratic fundraiser.

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As President Barack Obama delivers his farewell address in Chicago next week, supporters of imprisoned former Gov. Rod Blagojevich plan to hold a vigil asking the president to commute Blagojevich’s 14-year corruption sentence.“We’re hoping that the president will have mercy, and will consider letting Rod Blagojevich come home to his two daughters,” said activist Ziff Sistrunk, who is organizing the vigil outside the former governor’s home in Ravenswood.

Read the full story: Blagojevich Supporters Plan Vigil To Ask For Commutation From Obama « CBS Chicago

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