Disgraced former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, who admitted trying to sell Barack Obama's US Senate seat, has been jailed for 14 years for political corruption.
Blagojevich must serve at least 85% of his sentence, or about 12 years, in a federal prison.
The 54-year-old was convicted of seeking jobs and campaign contributions in exchange for state government action.
Before sentencing, Blagojevich pleaded with US district judge James B Zagel for mercy, saying he was "unbelievably sorry".
Judge Zagel said he accepted Blagojevich's apology but said: "It comes too late."
The judge disputed the defence claim that Blagojevich was misled by his staff.
"The governor was not marched along the criminal path by his staff," Judge Zagel said.
"He marched them and ruined a few of their careers."
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Blagojevich, a Democrat ousted from office in 2009, sought $1.5m in campaign contributions from supporters of Representative Jesse Jackson, Jr, in exchange for appointing him to the Senate seat.
They also said Blagojevich sought a cabinet post or a high-paying Washington job in exchange for appointing Mr Obama's choice - Valerie Jarrett, now a White House aide - to the Senate seat.
Federal authorities had been taping Blagojevich's conversations with aides and arrested him in December 2009 before he could complete the crime, according to prosecutors.
Blagojevich was tried twice - first in August 2010, when he was convicted of one charge of lying to investigators, but the jury failed to reach a verdict on 23 other counts.
After a second trial this year, he was convicted on 17 of 20 charges he faced.
Blagojevich must report to prison on February 16.
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