Speculation about “Senate Candidate 5”–mentioned in the federal criminal complaint against Gov. Rod Blagojevich–being U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd) was confirmed Wednesday by Jackson’s attorney.
Speculation about “Senate Candidate 5”–mentioned in the federal criminal complaint against Gov. Rod Blagojevich–being U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-2nd) was confirmed Wednesday by Jackson’s attorney. The 76-page complaint detailed a taped conversation by Blagojevich that spelled out how he was approached by “Individual D” about the possibility of “Senate Candidate 5” helping secure at least $1 million in campaign contributions for the governor, in return for being appointed to the senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama. Jackson, who his attorney James Montgomery said was “outraged” by his involuntary inclusion in the corruption scheme, denied any wrongdoing. “Congressman Jackson has never authorized anyone to seek the governor’s support in return for money, fundraising or other things of value. Secondly, the congressman is not aware of any alleged associate having made such a proposal,” Montgomery said Wednesday at news conference. In a separate news conference Wednesday in Washington, D.C., Jackson said he would cooperate with authorities because he “did not initiate nor authorize anyone, at any time, to promise anything to Gov. Blagojevich on my behalf. I never sent a message or an emissary to the governor to make an offer or to propose a deal about the U.S. Senate seat.” Montgomery said the FBI alerted Jackson on Monday night that the governor’s arrest was imminent, and added that while his name may pop up, the congressman was not a target of the investigation. A few hours before that phone call, Jackson and Blagojevich had a 90-minute meeting. Jackson said he only discussed with the governor his desire to fill the senate vacancy and detailed his qualification for Obama’s seat. Blagojevich was arrested by the FBI at dawn on Tuesday. He was charged with mail and wire fraud and bribery. His chief of staff, John Harris, was also arrested and charged in the corruption scheme. Jackson and Montgomery are expected to meet with federal authorities Friday or Monday in Chicago, Montgomery said. If convicted, Blagojevich and Harris face up to 10 years in prison. ______ Copyright 2008 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
About Post Author
