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Get real, judge tells ousted Ill. governor

CHICAGO - A federal judge yesterday denied permission to former Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich to travel to Costa Rica to participate in a reality TV show.

CHICAGO - A federal judge yesterday denied permission to former Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich to travel to Costa Rica to participate in a reality TV show.

U.S. District Judge James Zagel called modifying the terms of Blagojevich's bail on political corruption charges "a bad idea."

Prosecutors voiced fears that the indicted former governor might flee if allowed to go to Costa Rica, noting that he faced 25 to 30 years in prison if convicted.

Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky said NBC, producer of the show, was willing to pay for two security guards to watch Blagjojevich round the clock. But Zagel noted that such personal monitors would have no authority to arrest him.

He also said Blagojevich needed to stick around to read the government's evidence, because only then would he be able to understand the jeopardy he was 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."

Before the 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."