By Associated Press
Chicago, IL – Rod Blagojevich can't go to Costa Rica to star in a reality TV show.
That's the decision today from U.S. District Judge James Zagel, who refused to modify the terms of the ousted governor's bond to allow the trip. Zagel says a trip to the Costa Rican jungle would interfere with Blagojevich's defense against racketeering and fraud charges. The judge says Blagojevich needs to stay in Chicago to help his lawyers formulate their strategy.
Zagel today held off ruling on whether Blagojevich may tap his $2 million campaign fund to pay his lawyers but indicated he may be leaning toward giving approval. He set a May 1 hearing on the issue.
After today's hearing, Blagojevich said he's looking forward to clearing his name and plans to take a very active role in his defense.