Blagojevich back home

CHICAGO (AP) — A federal judge dashed indicted former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s reality TV dream Tuesday, refusing to give the ousted Democrat permission to travel to Costa Rica to tape a show in the jungle. U.S. District Judge James Zagel refused to modify terms of Blagojevich’s bail to allow him to leave the United States, saying he needs to remain in the country to help his attorneys formulate a strategy for his defense. The judge said that would give Blagojevich a better sense of the gravity of the legal problems he faces — including allegations he tried to auction off President Barack Obama’s former U.S. 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 sat during Tuesday’s the hearing. As he left the courthouse, Blagojevich told the media and spectators that he’s “going to play a very big role, a significant role” in his defense.