The Illinois Republican Party’s chairman is urging President Trump not to follow through on the idea he broached this week of freeing imprisoned former Governor Rod Blagojevich. Tim Schneider said in a written statement Friday that officials found guilty should serve their full sentences, especially in a state where he says “corrupt, machine-style politics is still all too common.”
Trump told reporters Wednesday he believed the seven years the Democrat Blagojevich has served on a 14-year sentence for corruption was enough, adding he felt the former governor was treated “very unfairly.”
Schneider told The Associated Press that his statement wasn’t sent to Trump but “was directed at anyone who would receive it.” He said Illinois Republicans respect Trump but disagree on releasing Blagojevich. Schneider said he doesn’t believe the White House has consulted Illinois Republicans about the matter.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
