CHICAGO — Imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich received a partial victory with a fresh ruling on his appeal.

But it’s not exactly what he and his supporters wanted.

The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that the Democrat he didn’t break the law when he sought to secure a spot in President Barack Obama’s Cabinet for appointing an Obama adviser to the president’s old U.S. Senate seat.

Blagojevich’s supporters expressed disappointment that the court didn’t dismiss more counts. The court also said Blagojevich’s original 14-year term still might not be out of line, even with five of 18 counts against him thrown out.

Defense attorney Leonard Goodman said he would urge his client to challenge the panel’s finding.

The U.S. attorney’s office has declined to comment on the ruling.