Judge says 'Cut' to Blago's TV effort

CHICAGO, April 21 (UPI) -- A federal judge in Chicago ruled Tuesday former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich cannot go to Costa Rica to film a reality television show.

In denying Blagojevich's bid to be on "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!," U.S. District Judge James Zagel said he doesn't have the impeached governor would comply with the conditions of his bail, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

"I do not have confidence that things will not go astray if I modify bond conditions," Zagel said.

Blagojevich said he had no choice but to seek try to appear on reality television shows because he needs to earn money. A defense motion indicated he could earn as much as $123,000 from the show.

"I have to do it for my kids," Blagojevich said. "I have to support my family."

In a separate deal, Blagojevich was paid a $21,000 advance to write a book, due in October.

Zagel did ruled that defense lawyers could tap into Blagojevich's previously frozen campaign fund, totaling about $2 million.

Blagojevich has pleaded innocent to 16 criminal counts, including racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud. He was indicted in early April in a federal corruption case that includes charges he sought to barter his appointment power for campaign contributions and other favors.