Blagojevich Busted

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Deposed Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Friday entertained a press event promoting a new reality television show despite being told he can't leave the country to be on it.

Blagojevich attended a news conference in California where producers were introducing the cast of the NBC reality series "I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here!"

Blagojevich publicist Glenn Selig sent messages via Twitter and says the now-indicted former governor still hopes to be part of the show even if he can't go to Costa Rica to tape it.

Selig said Blagojevich is sitting next to actor Stephen Baldwin, who'll be part of the cast. 

Blagojevich's motion to travel to Costa Rica for the show was denied by U.S. District Judge James B. Zagel earlier this week. 

And while Blagojevich may not have many friends back in Illinois these days, Baldwin said Friday he'd be happy to ask the judge to change his mind.

Baldwin says the impeached and indicted former governor would "add intensity and spice" to the show and should be allowed to participate because he is innocent until proven guilty.

But in the meantime, the statement says Baldwin may start wearing a button on his lapel proclaiming "Leggo My Blago."

Earlier Friday, a published report said Illinois First Lady Patti Blagojevich had been asked to appear a reality TV series in her indicted husband's place.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported Friday morning that NBC executives asked Patti Blagojevich to step in, in place of her husband. But a defense attorney told the Sun-Times that Patti Blagojevich would not be doing the show, following warnings by attorneys.

Former Gov. Blagojevich was also in Los Angeles on Thursday, where he filmed a promotional spot for the "I'm a Celebrity" show. Blagojevich was strapped into a harness and hoisted in front of a blank green ChromaKey screen to simulate a parachute jump.

Wind machines mussed his famous mop of hair for the spot filmed at the Los Angeles County Arboretum, standing in for the Costa Rican jungle.

Blagojevich was invited to appear on "I'm a Celebrity," competing against figure skater Nancy Kerrigan and eight others. But Judge Zagel said he thought Blagojevich would not come back if he left the country.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Schar openly mocked the former governor at the hearing on Tuesday, calling Blagojevich's behavior so bizarre and irrational that the court could not trust him to return from a trip to Costa Rica. He said there was no way to predict whether Blagojevich would seek to stay in Costa Rica or make a break for a neighboring country that has no extradition treaty with the United States.

Because of all that, Zagel said Blagojevich could not leave the country for the reality show. But Blagojevich still wants to be involved.

"Perhaps I can play some other role in the show," Blagojevich said in Los Angeles, adding he was glad to support the series with promotional spots. He said he wasn't sure if his contract provided payment for the promo work.

Blagojevich has admitted he was in it for the money.

NBC declined to comment Thursday on what his other participation might include. During his California visit, Blagojevich was to take part Friday in a "I'm a Celebrity ..." news conference.

At the arboretum, Blagojevich's business suit and necktie looked downright formal compared to others involved in the filming. At one point, his glance strayed to a statuesque blonde wearing a bikini top and skimpy skirt -- and a bystander caught him looking.

"I'm a Clinton Democrat," the ex-governor responded, smiling.

He turned serious when asked about his pending case, which includes allegations that he schemed to sell President Barack Obama's former U.S. Senate seat.

Blagojevich compared himself to other Americans who "have lost their jobs and are seeking to rebuild their lives."

He said he's looking for other opportunities, without offering details.

"That's how life is. Sometimes you have some disappointments but you've just got to keep moving and knocking on doors," he said.

Earlier this week Judge Zagel described him as "indigent or close to it" and that in the end, "taxpayers will pay for his defense."

Chicagoans CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine talked to Friday weren't happy about footing the bill for Blagojevich's defense, but also weren't as bothered by this latest bit of news as some of the other outrageous turns this saga has taken.

Veteran Chicago attorney Rick Halprin was appointed by the court to represent mobster Joey "The Clown" Lombardo in the Family Secrets trial.

"The issue is whether or not to get a trial and whether or not you can afford to pay for it," Halprin said of big-name defendants.

He was paid around $300,000, he said, for defending Lombardo.

That's nothing compared to what former Illinois Gov. George Ryan's defense cost -- $10 million to $20 million by most estimates. That, however, was all done pro bono by Winston and Strawn.

The court pays Halprin and other court-appointed federal defense attorneys far less, though Blagojevich's defense may still cost taxpayers millions.

In refusing to modify terms of Blagojevich's bail to allow him to leave the United States, U.S. District Judge James Zagel said Blagojevich should focus on his case and a defense strategy for the serious charges he faces.

"I appreciate him saying that. He's right, of course," Blagojevich said. He said he is "innocent of all allegations" and eager to get the legal process going.

CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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