Shot of Reality for Blagojevich

From ABC News’ Kristi Berner: I can already imagine Seth Meyers using today’s news for his Saturday Night Live skit, "Really?" "Really, Blago? You really thought a federal judge would let you fly to Costa Rica to star in a reality TV show? Really, Blago? Just like you really thought people would believe you never intended to appoint the highest bidder to President Obama’s open Senate seat? Really, Blago? You really thought a U.S. District judge would sanction your participation in a show called ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ Really, Blago? I mean really?" Yes, to the surprise of no one but The Indicted One — aka Rod Blagojevich — a federal judge in Chicago crushed the former Illinois Governor’s reality TV show dream. U.S. District Judge James Zagel refused to give Blagojevich permission to travel to Costa Rica to tape a reality show set in the jungle — a program similar to "Survivor" where contestants perform sweaty physical tasks and scheme to avoid elimination. Zagel told Blagojevich he needs to stay in the U.S. to get a better sense of the gravity of the legal problems he faces (you think so?)  — including allegations he tried to auction off President Obama’s former Senate seat. "I don’t think this defendant fully understands and I don’t think he could understand … the position he finds himself in," Zagel said during Tuesday’s hearing. But Blagojevich begs to differ. "I’m fully aware of what the allegations are and I know what the truth is concerning me and I know that I’ve done absolutely nothing wrong," he said after the hearing. Blagojevich attorney Sheldon Sorosky told Zagel that NBC’s "I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!" program would pay for security to make sure the former governor didn’t flee if he were allowed to go to Costa Rica. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Schar said there was no way to predict whether Blagojevich would stay in Costa Rica or try to flee. Schar said Blagojevich may be facing 25 to 30 years behind bars if convicted, a strong incentive to run. The TV show proposal was just the latest spotlight-seeking move from Blagojevich. Since his arrest, he has announced a deal to write a book, hosted a Chicago radio talk show and made the New York talk show circuit, chatting it up with everyone from David Letterman to the women of ABC’s The View." Zagel held off ruling on whether Blagojevich may tap his $2 million campaign fund to pay lawyers, but the judge indicated he may be leaning toward giving approval. Zagel scheduled a May 1 hearing on the issue. The 52-year-old Blagojevich is charged with scheming to sell Obama’s former Senate seat, attempting to extort campaign money from companies seeking state business and plotting to use the governor’s office to pressure the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers who called for his impeachment. Blagojevich was arrested Dec. 9 after, authorities said, he was heard on FBI wiretaps discussing swapping the Obama seat for a Cabinet post, a new job or campaign money. Illinois lawmakers impeached him and booted him from office in January.