Gov. issues statement on Rezko verdict

After dodging questions about his former top adviser and fund-raiser Tony Rezko for weeks, Gov. Blagojevich called a news conference tonight about Rezko, but would not answer any questions.

Instead, the governor read a written statement tonight, which follows in full: "Tony Rezko is a friend and was a supporter. On a personal level I am deeply sad for what has happened to Tony. I am profoundly sad for his children and for his wife Rita. My heart goes out to all of them. The jury's decision is yet another reminder that ours is a system of government that is ruled by laws and not by men. I respect the decision of the jury. As for me, I will continue to get up every single day to keep working as hard as I possibly can for the people, starting with tomorrow, where I hope to meet with the legislative leaders to we can balance the budget in a way that is fair and helps people and to pass a capital construction program that will stimulate our economy and create more than 500,000 jobs. Thank you."

When reporters tried to ask questions, the governor said only, as he was leaving, "I have a $2 billion dollar budget deficit on my desk. I have to get back to work on it."