His critics were most vocal, booing the former governor as he got into a black car with his wife, Patti. He was found guilty on 17 of 20 counts in his corruption trial Monday afternoon.
"I was satisfied," Martin Brennan said of the verdict. "I wasn't happy. You're not happy at a time like this, but satisfied."
"The jury has spoken and justice has been done," said Yusef Shikari.
People flocked to the courthouse after hearing jurors had reached a verdict. Many waited to get a glimpse of the man himself. On the way in, Blagojevich was all smiles. On the way out, the convicted former governor was more sedate.
"None of this changes my opinion of Rod Blagojevich. A lot of people don't know about how politicians raise money. They all do it," said Kay Osborn, who supports Blagojevich.
"Honestly, I think he got in over his head. He seems to be all over the place, you know, as far as not really knowing what he is doing," said Debi Piljac, Blagojevich supporter.
Blagojevich supporter Steven Williams called the trial a "waste of taxpayer money." He said, "I think it was personal."
Janet Thomson volunteered for Blagojevich as a candidate and supported him even after he became a defendant. She was among those who watched the part of the trial in person and wanted to see the result for herself.
"I couldn't believe it was practically every single one, unbelievable," Thomson said.
Critics, supporters greet Blago at home
Blagojevich and his wife Patti returned to their Ravenswood Manor home after the verdict was announced. They were greeted by a group of supporters.
Blagojevich said he's feeling shock and sadness.
"Patti and I have to discuss this with our children, our little girls, and start planning for the future. And of course I want things to work out for Patti," said Blagojevich.
The convicted former governor couldn't resist shaking a few hands outside his home and he is rewarded with signs of support.
"His political career was over, he provable was done. I just feel like we could probably have used our tax dollars for something better like education," said Carolyn Chapple, Ravenswood Manor resident
Not all of Blagojevich's neighbors are sympathetic.
"He doesn't know between right and wrong, at least that's my estimation," said Mary Puzzo, Ravenswood Manor resident.
Earlier in the day Blagojevich headed for court optimistic, quoting Elvis tunes.
"You know my hands are shaking and my knees are weak and I can't seem to stand on my own two feet," he said.
Three hours later he returned home singing a different tune.
"It's so important for people to know I fought real hard for them and what's difficult to think is that some people may think I let them down and I didn't, I fought real hard," he said.
