The irrepressible Rod Blagojevich is back with one more scam before he goes to the Big House.

There is no question that former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is different. He's been described as immature and a shallow self-promoter. Psychiatric experts have even suggested that he suffers from a narcissistic personality disorder — defined as an obsessive interest in everything about himself.

But at no time has anyone suggested that Blagojevich suffers from any kind of alcohol or drug problem — until now.

In an effort to shave time off the 14-year prison sentence Blagojevich recently received following his conviction on corruption charges, Blagojevich's lawyers have asked for and won U.S. Judge James Zagel's recommendation that the former governor be allowed to enroll in a drug rehabilitation program.

Drug rehabilitation is one of the hottest scams in the federal prison sentence. It's not that the program itself isn't a good one. But regardless of whether they have alcohol or drug problems, smart guys want in because it allows them to shave time off their sentences.

Indeed, two of former Gov. George Ryan's criminal associates — Scott Fawell and Lawrence Warner — received an early release from prison after participating in drug rehabilitation behind bars. Whether they really had drug or alcohol issues is open to question. Fawell pretty much concedes that he didn't.

"Their criteria, the bar, is pretty low. If it's available and you qualify for it, you'd be crazy not to take it," said Fawell.

News reports indicate that consuming just five drinks the week before going to prison can be sufficient to qualify.

There is no question that Blagojevich faces an ugly future. Under federal rules, he'll have to serve most of his 14-year sentence. If he behaves, the feds will shave about one year off. With drug rehabilitation, he might get another year off. That's 12 years minimum — a long time by anyone's standard.

Some may ask what the harm is. Maybe there isn't any harm. But maybe Blagojevich will take a seat in drug rehabilitation from someone who really needs to be there.

Mostly, it's the appearance of more flim flammery from Illinois' leading flim flam man that is obnoxious.