Day Two of Blagojevich Sentencing Underway, Former Governor Addresses Court

Prosecutors are beginning their final argument to a judge they hope will impose a stiff prison sentence on former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich by disputing the argument that Blagojevich's actions never hurt anyone.

Prosecutor Reid Schar says 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 is 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.

UPDATE: Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich has made his final plea for leniency to the judge who will impose his sentence, saying he "never set out to break the law.''

While he apologized for his crimes, Blagojevich said he did not know he was breaking the law. He told Judge James Zagel that he thought what he was doing was "permissible,'' but that he was mistaken.

Blagojevich said he acknowledges his crimes and is "unbelievably sorry.'' He says he's made "terrible mistakes.'' The impeached Illinois governor spoke Wednesday as he waits to learn his punishment on charges that include trying to sell an appointment to President Barack Obama's old Senate seat.