Blagojevich eyes reality TV show

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. | Just when you thought the saga of ousted Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich couldn’t get any stranger, it has.

Mr. Blagojevich wants to star on the NBC reality show, “I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here!” - a program similar to “Survivor” in which contestants are plopped down in the Costa Rican jungle to perform sweaty physical tasks, scheme to avoid elimination and throw tantrums for the camera.

If a federal judge gives permission, the man who faces years in prison on corruption charges could be following in the steps of Flavor Flav and Kathy Griffin - D-list celebrities willing to play the clown on TV.

Perhaps he will have to retrieve items from a crocodile-infested swamp, like one participant on an earlier version of “I’m a Celebrity ….”

“I’m sure Illinois viewers would love to see Blagojevich have to do something like that - especially if the crocodiles win,” said Jenn Brasler, associate editor of the Web site Reality News Online.

First, Mr. Blagojevich needs to convince Judge James B. Zagel to let him leave the country with a pending criminal case. He was ordered to surrender his passport after his December arrest on charges that included trying to sell President Obama’s vacant Senate seat.

Northwestern University law professor Anthony D’Amato said the judge might be willing to approve the project because of Costa Rica’s strong extradition agreement with the United States - meaning Mr. Blagojevich could not just hole up there forever. The decision is far from certain, particularly with a judge known for being strict.

Mr. Blagojevich, who pleaded not guilty on Tuesday, has plenty on his mind without adding a TV show to the mix. Illinois lawmakers impeached him and booted him from office in January.

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 “The View.”

To people who know Mr. Blagojevich or know the business of reality TV, the idea of him appearing on “I’m a Celebrity …” isn’t terribly shocking.

“At this point in 21st-century America, it’s clear that reality TV is the last refuge of a scoundrel,” said Daniel Manu, director of the Television Without Pity Web site.

State Rep. Lou Lang, a fellow Democrat and once a supporter of the former governor, said Mr. Blagojevich needs both money and attention, and television is a way to get them.

Appearing on the show would give the out-of-work former governor some cash for his legal defense. He has had trouble assembling a defense team, which his attorney attributes to a lack of money.

Mr. Blagojevich likely would not get rich from the show. Contestants are paid to appear, but the amounts are relatively small, especially on a lower-tier show.