Blagojevich meets with clergymen

Associated Press
Published: December 12, 2008

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - While speculation swirls about his future, the governor of Illinois has met at his home today with several local ministers.
   
One minister says Gov. Rod Blagojevich (bluh-GOY’-uh-vich) told him that he’s innocent of the charges against him and that he will eventually be vindicated.
   
Blagojevich was arrested earlier this week on federal corruption charges.
   
The Rev. Steve Jones says he had initiated the contact with the embattled politician. He visited along with two other pastors. He says “nobody should be left hopeless,“ no matter what the circumstances.
   
A fourth minister says he held a separate meeting with Blagojevich after the governor called him. The Rev. Leonard Barr and his wife met with the Blagojevich and his wife. He says they all prayed “that he would continue to be a great governor for the state of Illinois.“
   
Blagojevich later headed to his office in downtown Chicago.