At the end of the day, it all comes down to love.
Standing in the lobby of the Dirksen Federal Court building after the ex-governor's case was sent to the jury for deliberations, Sam Adam Jr. told reporters just how deep his affection for his client was.
"One thing, I'll say it honestly," said Adam Jr. "I love Rod Blagojevich."
Speaking in his characteristic highly emotive tones and looking weary but somewhat relieved, Adam Jr. credited the ex-governor's All Kids program for saving the life of his child.
"What you guys do not know, and what I've never said until this moment, was that my daughter was born at 1 pound 3 ounces, and that it was All Kids was the reason she was allowed to live," Adam Jr. "And I will never forget that man for that.
"But I didn't want somebody early on saying that was the reason why I told you when this case first started that I love that man. And my wife who is here and I now have a beautiful 35 pound child because of him. And whatever you say, I will go to my grave being grateful to him."
Adam Jr. also told reporters that he was proud of the work the defense team had done.
Politics
"This team that was put together was led by my father and I who have very -- especially me -- no experience in federal court," Adam Jr. said, as attorney Sheldon Sorosky patted him on the back. "And to do the kind of job that that team did, I just want to tell them I am grateful for who they are and what they did. And if we did anything that was successful in this case, it was not me. It was that team."
He also said he was optimistic that the jury would return a not guilty verdict.
"We believe they listened to the evidence," Adam Jr. said. "They've seen that the government has proved their case."
Adam Jr. also spoke about how he perceived the press coverage of the case, saying that he believed they did a fair job.
"I'll tell ya, you did a heck of a job, and thank you," Adam Jr. said. "
