Ex-IL Gov. Rod Blagojevich not in contact with brother, Robert Blagojevich says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Robert Blagojevich has written to his brother in prison, but he's had no reply from the disgraced former governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich.

He also went to the federal lockup in Colorado to visit Rod Blagojevich, but wasn't allowed in. He is not on his brother's approved visitor list.

Despite not speaking to him since he was incarcerated on corruption charges, Robert Blagojevich says he hopes his brother's 14-year sentence will be reduced.

"Why he behaves that way is beyond my ability to explain," Robert Blagojevich said. The two brothers have not reconciled since the trial, but Robert Blagojevich says he is hopeful someday that will happen.

"Hopeful that some justice will be served when his appeal is finally ruled on," Robert Blagojevich said. "But he's gone radio silent, which is very much unlike Rod Blagojevich. He has and in one way I've got to give him credit for showing some discipline and holding it together until the appropriate time for speaking out."

It is Rod Blagojevich's hope that the appeals court will find some fault in his conviction and the length of his sentence. It's been 15 months since oral arguments. Many believe the court has made a decision, but may still be fine-tuning language in the complex, high-profile case.

"This idea of whether horse-trading can be criminal and when does it cross the line, that's really an untested theory so that's dramatically different," Gil Soffer, ABC7 legal analyst, said.

"I speak emotionally as a brother and say that I think he should be released and allowed to continue on with his life," Robert Blagojevich said.

Most legal observers believe that's not likely to happen, although a change in the sentence length could be possible. When the court will rule remains anyone's guess.