UPDATE | Judge denies Blagojevich's bid to lighten 14-year sentence

CHICAGO (AP) — A federal judge today upheld Rod Blagojevich's 14-year prison sentence on corruption counts, setting aside pleas for leniency by the former Illinois governor's wife and daughters during his resentencing hearing.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel said it's an "unfortunate reality" that Blagojevich's innocent family members are made to suffer the consequences.

As the judge announced his decision, Blagojevich could be seen on screen bowing his head. In the courtroom, his two daughters sobbed, the younger one placing her head on her mother's shoulder.

Blagojevich, known as Inmate No. 40892-424 since he went to prison in 2012, appeared on a courtroom video in prison-issued clothing, his once dark hair now white. He was eligible for resentencing after an appeals court threw out some convictions related to his alleged attempt to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama's old Senate seat.

The Democrat appeared on a courtroom screen through a video from a Colorado prison, his first public appearance since entering prison.

"I think I'm a very different person and I think I've become someone who has learned a lot from the mistakes I have made," he told the judge, adding that he takes responsibility for his actions and is working to make amends.

Federal prosecutors said the dismissal of the five counts doesn't reduce the seriousness of Blagojevich's offenses and argued the sentence shouldn't be reduced