(Former) Governor Reality Show

Blago pleads not guilty. Tribune:

"Mr. Rod Blagojevich would waive reading of the indictment and enter a plea of not guilty," the lawyer said. U.S. District Judge James Zagel asked the former governor a series of questions, including one about his schooling.

"Um, I have a degree from law school," Blagojevich replied.

Ah yes, he's an innocent man. More bon mots:

After the hearing, as he tried to leave the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse at about 11:20 a.m., Blagojevich waded his way through a crush of media on the way to his ride.

One cameraman used an expletive as he was shoved, then apologized to Blagojevich for his language.

"It's alright, man. I heard it before," Blagojevich said. "Listen to some of those tapes."

But be thankful there will be a trial. We can only hope some more crooks will be put in jail.

His bail is upped as he wants to go on a trip out of the country. Perhaps to reciprocate for Mayor Daley playing the gracious host for an anti-corruption seminar for world leaders. Awk. Sun Times:

In an elevator as he left the courtroom at the Dirksen Federal Building in downtown Chicago, the ex-governor compared himself to Winston Churchhill, quoting the British statesman: “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”

He added:“The truth will prevail. I look forward to clearing my name and being vindicated.”

And we learn where he wants to travel:

Blagojevich, 52, wants to be allowed to go to Costa Rica to film a reality TV show there but needs the judge’s permission.

A reality show. Imagine that.

GOP statement:

Statement from Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna on Rod Blagojevich's arraignment and broken promises of Blagojevich Democrats:

"Each day Rod Blagojevich enters a courtroom is a stark reminder of six years of broken promises and the failure of Blagojevich Democrats to end the culture of corruption in Illinois.

"Even in the shadow of these empty promises and 126 days after a sitting Governor was put in handcuffs, Blagojevich Democrats have failed to enact any significant reforms, but have managed to propose a massive jobs-killing tax increase on the people of Illinois to pay for their many years of fiscal mismanagement.

"While today’s events highlight the fiscal and ethical failures of Blagojevich Democrats, Republican candidates have an opportunity to lead our state in a new direction by bringing long overdue change and reform to the people of Illinois.

More: Capitol Fax asks why all the Blago holdovers in the Quinn administration?