Blago ally Rezko to appeal conviction, sentence

Attorneys for a former top fundraiser for Rod Blagojevich announced plans Tuesday to appeal his corruption-related convictions and 10 1/2-year prison term, viewed by some as a baseline for the former Illinois governor in his upcoming sentencing.

Tony Rezko was sentenced last month for his 2008 convictions for fraud, money laundering and plotting to squeeze more than $7 million from companies seeking to do state business during Blagojevich's tenure. A federal judge derided him for his "selfish and corrupt actions" in giving him 10 1/2 years, minus time served.

Rezko's attorneys filed a notice of appeal Tuesday, but had not yet made a formal appeal to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

A different judge, James Zagel, will decide Wednesday on a sentence for Blagojevich, convicted of trying to sell or trade a U.S. Senate seat and shaking down officials for campaign contributions.

Both federal prosecutors and Blagojevich's attorneys have used Rezko and his sentence as comparison points. Prosecutors say Blagojevich, unlike Rezko, was an elected official chosen by voters because he promised to clean up public corruption. They have asked Zagel for a sentence of 15 to 20 years.