Blagojevich begins 14-year sentence in Colorado COLORADO

Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich departs his Chicago home for Littleton, Colo., to begin his 14-year prison sentence on corruption charges Thursday, March 15, 2012. The 55-year-old Democrat becomes the second Illinois governor in a row to go to prison for corruption. less Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich departs his Chicago home for Littleton, Colo., to begin his 14-year prison sentence on corruption charges Thursday, March 15, 2012. The 55-year-old Democrat becomes the ... more Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast, Associated Press Photo: Charles Rex Arbogast, Associated Press Image 1 of / 8 Caption Close Blagojevich begins 14-year sentence in Colorado 1 / 8 Back to Gallery

Littleton, Colo. --

Convicted former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich walked into a federal prison in Colorado to begin a 14-year sentence for corruption on Thursday, the latest chapter in the downfall of a charismatic politician that seemed more like a bizarre reality TV show than a legal battle.

With helicopters and TV news crews broadcasting his every move, Blagojevich stepped out of a black SUV and walked into the Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in suburban Denver just before noon. Blagojevich - Illinois' second ex-governor now in prison for corruption - was convicted on 18 counts, including charges of trying to sell or trade President Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat.

"I'm leaving with a heavy heart, a clear conscience and I have high, high hopes for the future," Blagojevich told reporters and well-wishers as he left his Chicago home early Thursday for his flight to Denver.

In what had become a familiar scene in the three years since his arrest, an optimistic if not defiant Blagojevich bounded down the stairs of his Chicago home through a throng of photographers and cameramen Thursday morning. Supporters were shouting encouragement.

The night before, the famously talkative Democrat - who was caught on FBI wiretaps saying the opportunity to trade an appointment to Obama's old Senate seat for campaign cash or a top job was "f- golden" - embraced the public spotlight one last time.

"While my faith in things has sometimes been challenged, I still believe this is America, this is a country that is governed by the rule of law, that the truth ultimately will prevail," Blagojevich told crowds of media and supporters, his wife standing by his side.

When he finally arrived at the prison Thursday, the spotlight went away - and he became Inmate No. 40892-424.

Under federal rules, inmates must serve at least 85 percent of their terms before becoming eligible for early release. That's nearly 12 years for Blagojevich, though his term could be reduced under a prison program.

A law graduate, he also could research his case in the prison library. He and his attorneys are appealing both the 14-year sentence and his convictions.