Disgraced former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, impeached in January after being accused of multiple felonies including attempting to sell President Obama’s former seat, is now trying to get his way back into the public eye. Blagojevich recently went to court to appeal to U.S. District Court Judge James Zagel to be allowed to leave the country and go to Costa Rica? Why? So he could be a contestant on NBC’s new reality show, “I’m a Celebrity—Get Me Out of Here!”

Of course, the judge was sane enough not only to deny Blagojevich his request but also to suggest that he start treating the strong allegations against him more seriously. I am personally appalled that Blagojevich was even offered a spot in this show, which would pay him an estimated $80,000 for each episode. Since when does flagrantly breaking the law in a position of power make you a celebrity? Even if it makes you notorious in the news, I do not think Blagojevich represents the kind of character we should call a “celebrity.” Despite Blagojevich’s constant claims that he will be “vindicated” in the trials and his attempts at pathos, claiming he only wanted to be on the show to “support his family” whom he loves so much he is willing to eat bugs, I still am not convinced of his innocence. It is pretty hard to be “accidently” or incorrectly indicted for 16 felonies! As a Democrat, I am embarrassed to have him as a member of my party and hopes he never attempts to try anything in politics again.

What do you think—is Blagojevich a “celebrity” worthy of being on a reality show? Would you watch something with him on it? And do you think he has any chance at credibility left after trying and failing to be on such a trashy reality show?