Rod Blagojevich stepped out his front door - no longer governor, but certainly grateful for the opportunity to serve Illinois citizens.
"I have gotten up every day thinking about you, fighting for you, pushing and prodding for you," said Blagojevich.
Blagojevich talked about 90 minutes after the Senate kicked him out of office.
"I'm disappointed in the state Senate's actions. They deprived me of an opportunity to bring witnesses and prove my innocence. I wanted to do that sooner or rather later but I guess I'll just have to have my day in court," said Blagojevich.
The governor planned to end it with a statement but was clearly moved by the crowd that gathered outside his home.
Neighborhood children and dozens of supporters thanked Blagojevich for his service.
"The best day of my life is when I was allowed to vote for you. I'm very saddened that they don't allow you to finish out your term. That's wrong. That's wrong," said Barbara Kroner, neighbor and supporter.
"I know. We'll be back. Don't you worry about that. We'll come back even better than ever," answered Blagojevich.
"Good guy, good guy. I just think he was unfairly treated in the Senate today," said Joe Oseguera.
"I really appreciate the governor. I don't appreciate the way he was misjudged," said Harry Langston.
So it ends on somber note, a political career - over - remembered on Thursday night with candlelight.
