CHICAGO — Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich embraced the public spotlight one last time Wednesday before reporting to prison, claiming he always believed what he did was legal and that he has faith the appeal of his corruption convictions will be successful.

The famously talkative Blagojevich seemed to relish the attention as he spoke to a throng of television cameras, reporters and well-wishers outside his Chicago home. In less than 24 hours, he was due to arrive at Federal Correctional Institution Englewood in Colorado to begin serving a 14-year sentence on corruption charges, including that he tried to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama's vacated Senate seat.

"We have great trust and faith in the appeal. And while my faith in things has sometimes been challenged, I still believe this is America, this is a country that is governed by the rule of law, that the truth ultimately will prevail," the impeached governor said, as his wife stood by his side. "As bad as it is, (this) is the beginning of another part of a long and hard journey that will only get worse before it gets better, but that this is not over."

Supporters chanted, "Free our governor" and "He's not guilty," and a banner that was hung over a railing on Blagojevich's porch read, "Thanks, Mr. Governor. We Will Pray."

The 55-year-old father of two daughters appeared emotional at times, but then he appeared to be back on the campaign stump. Blagojevich said that preparing to leave for prison is "the hardest thing I've ever done" and that he had difficulty even saying he was going to prison. But he also insisted he always did what he thought was right for Illinois, saying he "actually helped real ordinary people" and listed what he believed were accomplishments as governor, including expanding health care for children and not raising taxes.

Blagojevich was convicted of 18 criminal counts during two trials.