Rod Blagojevich has a sentencing date.
During a Monday morning status hearing, Judge James Zagel set the date for Thursday, Oct. 6.
Blagojevich was found guilty about a month ago on 17 of 20 corruption counts, including shaking down Children's Memorial Hospital and trying to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat. Though many of the charges carry 20-year sentences, experts predict he'll serve about 10.
Is Blagojevich ready for sentencing? "Of course! Absolutely! Get it over with!" said attorney Sheldon Sorosky. The former governor "absolutely" will address the judge, Sorosky said.
Sorosky says they will offer other witnesses and try to make a case for Blagojevich's good deeds.
"He was a good honest governor who tried to help the people of Illinois," he said.
After he's sentenced, Blagojevich could be asked by Zagel to surrender immediately, or a set date could be chosen.
Blagojevich's attorneys pushed for a third trial, following up on a lengthy, 158-page set of motions filed last week. They argued that Zagel stacked the deck in the government's favor, leading to his conviction.
