Blago Gets 14 Years; Ethics Committee Must Now Act on Jesse Jackson, Jr.

National Legal & Policy Center ^ | December 9, 2011 | NLPC Staff

[jazusamo]

Yesterday, former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was sentenced to 14 years in prison for, among other things, attempting to "sell" the US Senate seat that was once held by President Barack Obama. Blagojevich's punishment comes on the heels of the U.S. House Ethics Committee's decision to continue its investigation into Congressman Jesse Jackson's role in the same scheme.

On December 2, the House Ethics Committee announced that it was continuing its investigation of Jackson for his alleged public campaign to "buy" the Senate seat in question. It is alleged by investigators that Jackson may have made unlawful use of his congressional office for these political activities as House rules prohibit the use of official resources for any political purposes. The investigation of Congressman has been underway for over two years.

Congressman Jackson, the son of the Reverend Jesse Jackson, is in his 9^th term in the United States House of Representatives. The sentencing of the former Governor, coupled with the recent decision by House Committee to continue its investigation, are surely blows for Mr. Jackson he faces a difficult primary challenge. Former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson is running against Jackson in the upcoming Democrat primary and has been discussing the Congressman's legal and ethical problems in her attacks on Jackson.

Much like Blagojevich had done during his trial, Jackson maintains his innocence and says he will be cleared of these allegations. A letter to the House committee drafted by his lawyers stated that Jackson "did not direct or know" of any offer to provide campaign money to the disgraced former governor.

Many question Jackson's ability to withstand a strong primary challenge with these scandals swirling all around him. Surely yesterday's news will not help his efforts toward reelection.

NLPC Chairman Ken Boehm stated, "Jackson-like Blagojevich-has a history of questionable political ethics. So this comes as no surprise. Once again Chicago appears to be a sinkhole of corruption."

Boehm continued, "This is another test for the Ethics Committee, which keeps failing its assignments. The House cannot rely on far away criminal prosecutors to police itself. The charges against Jackson are about as serious as they get. Either the Republican majority is committed to ethics or it is not."

Related:

Jesse Jackson Jr. Denies Role in $6M Scheme to Bankroll Blagojevich

Blagojevich Conviction Only Partly Reveals Culture of Corruption

[jazusamo]

The Chicago Way.

[rfreedom4u]

They CAN’T prosecute JJ Jr! That would be racist!

[bigbob]

As Beavis would say “Give him the CHAIR!”

[ntnychik]

What about Rahm Emanuel and Valerie Jarrett?

[Jim from C-Town]

Wow! Long sentance! Murderers often do less than 10 years.

[potlatch]

One down, many to go......alert me when they get to Holder!!

 

[unixfox]

They CAN’T prosecute JJ Jr! That would be racist!

Same for Eric Holder.

Thye should both be in prison.

[Venturer]

The House ethics comittee -—Bwahahahahahahah

Investigating Jesse Jackson Jr, Bwahahahahahahahahahah

Yeah like they are investigation maxin Waters. Bwaahahahaha

The Congressional Ethics Committee doesn’t know the meaning of ethics when it come to Democrats, or Black Democrats at that.

It’s a joke. In fact the Congress is a joke, both parties of it.

[ntnychik]

Heh, who is in the cello case?

Motley crew exiting stage left—can’t happen quickly enough.

[devolve]

.

Excellent potlatch -

- Da Chicago Way!

I’m having problemos getting to my email - “New Enhancement” bugs - are working like Obama, Holder, and Corzine today!

.

[potlatch]

[Heh, who is in the cello case?]

Maybe Erik Holder is hiding out in there, lol!

[potlatch]

Thank you devolve. That gif may be my ‘crowning glory’, don’t think I could top that one, lol.
Haven’t been to email, have been busy with Christmas decorating.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks jazusamo.