The public has been both sympathetic and harsh toward former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who was sentenced Wednesday to 14 years in prison.

One person who sees the case from a unique perspective is Rosemaria DiBenedetto Genova.

Genova’s husband was mayor of Calumet City when he was convicted on corruption charges in 2001. She was left to juggle the household finances and raise their three small children, alone.

WBEZ’s Kristen McQueary talked with Genova about her experience as the spouse of a high-profile public official who was sent to prison.