Posted by chicagomedia.org on April 21, 2009 at 12:40:30:
In Reply to: Governor Rod Blagojevich reality TV show posted by chicagomedia.org on April 15, 2009 at 14:34:04:
Blagojevich can't go to Costa Rica for TV show
A federal judge today denied permission to former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to travel to Costa Rica to participate in a reality TV show.
U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel called modifying the terms of Blagojevich's bail on political corruption charges "a bad idea."
Even if Blagojevich had a personal monitor, that person wouldn't have the authority to arrest him, Zagel noted. He also said Blagojevich needs to stick around to read the government's evidence, because only then will he be able to understand the jeopardy he is in.
Zagel added that he was sympathetic to Blagojevich's financial condition, but said there were others ways for him to earn money.
Outside court, after the hearing, Blagojevich told swarming reporters: "This is another day in the big city. I know what the truth is when it concerns me, and I know that I've done absolutely nothing wrong. ...I'm actually looking forward to this day in court. ...I want to prove my innocence, I want to vindicate myself."
He stopped several times to greet non-media onlookers and curiosity seekers.
"I didn't let you down," he said to one woman.
"Want to get on TV? Come on in!" he yelled at another man.
Asked by a reporter how active he will be legally in his own defense, the former governor replied: "I'm going to be very active. I know a lot of things about me."
Before this morning's hearing, as he arrived at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, Blagojevich said participating in the reality show would be "a way to earn a living and support my children.
"It's not my first choice, but it's a living," he said.
Asked later if his client was really broke, attorney Sheldon Sorosky said: "It shows he is an honest man."
Blagojevich's lawyers had asked permission for their client to travel to Costa Rica in June to be a contestant on NBC's "I'm a Celebrity ... Get me Out of Here!" They said he could have made up to $123,250 on the 12-episode show if not voted off by viewers.
In a short-lived 2003 version of the show, contestants, among other things, had to put insects, worms and rats in their pants, sit in a tank of leeches and wade through a swamp populated by snakes and eels.
Blagojevich also is seeking the court's okay to use more than $2 million in his campaign fund to pay for his legal expenses. Zagel encouraged his attorneys to file a motion to that effect but said he believed Blagojevich should be allowed to do so. A hearing on that issue was set for May 1.
(Chicago Tribune)