Patti Apologizes: 'We Signed Up for This ... You Didn't'

Patti Blagojevich broke her silence Monday on the scandal surrounding her husband, issuing a brief apology to her neighbors for the "media barrage" that has descended upon their Northwest Side neighborhood.

Her husband, Gov. Rod Blagojevich, was arrested last week and brought up on federal corruption charges.

The state's first lady avoided any specific mention of her husband's arrest and the resulting crisis engulfing state government. Rather, she had a typewritten note delivered to homes along their Ravenswood Manor block.

Dear Neighbor:

My husband and I would like to apologize to you and your family for the media barrage that descended on our neighborhood. While we signed up for this kind of attention by choosing a life in public service, you didn't. All you did was choose to live in our wonderful neighborhood.

We are very sorry for any inconvenience this has caused you. We hope it will soon subside, not only for the sake of our children but also for you and your family. We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season and a healthy and happy NEW YEAR.

Sincerely,

Patti Blagojevich

Her father, former Ald. Richard Mell, sent an e-mail to neighbors, whom he called "good friends," and said the family will "weather the storm."

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