Former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich will attend his resentencing via video next month, a judge ruled Wednesday.
The news came as attorneys were in court to address issues surrounding the resentencing of imprisoned Blagojevich, including whether he would be allowed to attend the hearing in Chicago in person.
Blagojevich had requested a furlough from the prison but it was denied due to publicity. Officials said transporting the former governor could have taken as long as two weeks.
Blagojevich will instead attend court via a video conference, the judge ruled.
An appeals court ordered the resentencing after tossing five of Blagojevich's 18 corruption convictions. He has served four years of the original 14-year sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge James Zagel in 2011.
Prosecutors want that sentence preserved. The defense wants it slashed to five years.
At court Wednesday, attorneys for Blagojevich said "he's admitted he's used incredibly poor judgement" and he is "trying to make good use of the time" in prison.
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Zagel is set to resentence the 59-year-old Blagojevich Aug. 9.
A status hearing is scheduled for Wednesday morning. One of the issues that could be taken up is whether Blagojevich will attend the resentencing in person or participate via video link from federal prison in Colorado.
