Posted on 04/07/2009 12:43:46 PM PDT by STARWISE
Federal authorities have asked U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson (D.-Ill) why former Gov. Rod Blagojevich believed he would get campaign cash in exchange for appointing Jackson to President Obama's vacant Senate seat, sources told the Sun-Times.
More than a week ago, Jackson and his criminal defense lawyer sat down for an interview with investigators in connection with the ongoing corruption probe of the now-indicted Blagojevich.
Among the areas of interest, sources say, was what Jackson told his representatives to convey to the Blagojevich camp on his behalf last year -- a time Jackson sought the Senate seat appointment.
And, in a signal that the probe into dealings involving a possible Jackson appointment is still under way, witnesses and possible evidence involved in that part of the alleged scheme were recently subpoenaed by a federal grand jury, sources say.
Jackson's recent interview took place nearly four months after he publicly announced he wasn't a target in the probe and said then that he expected to sit down with the feds in a matter of days. He isn't accused of wrongdoing and has said he never gave anyone the authority to trade cash for the appointment.
But the charges against Blagojevich include an alleged scheme involving Jackson's possible appointment.
The ex-governor believed he would receive $1.5 million in campaign money in exchange for appointing Jackson to the seat, according to the allegations.
The Sun-Times reached the congressman's wife, Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th) by cell phone Monday. Asked about her husband's interview with federal investigators, she said: "I don't have anything to say about it. I have no comment on any of it. Call the congressman's office."
When asked if she was concerned about the ongoing probe, she said: "No comment, my dear."
Since last week, the Sun-Times has left numerous messages for the congressman and his attorney, which have not been returned. A spokesman for Jesse Jackson Jr. would not comment.
There were at least two people who approached Robert Blagojevich, the brother of ex-Gov. Blagojevich who headed his campaign fund, about Jackson's candidacy. One, Raghu Nayak, has been in discussions with authorities.
Phone logs kept by the former governor indicate Jesse Jackson Jr. contacted then-Gov. Blagojevich as early as late October.
"JJJr called 2nd time -- LM Gov returned call @ 4:50 p.m. on 10/24-JJ on plane," the log states. "JJJr called a 3rd time @3:30 p.m. on 10-29."
Blagojevich's people contacted the congressman Nov. 25 about scheduling a meeting. The next day, the Rev. Jesse Jackson left a message for Blagojevich, saying he wanted to speak to the governor.
A Dec. 2 notation in the ex-governor's log indicates: "Will prob do JJJr next week. But do not call him yet."
Rod Blagojevich and congressman Jackson eventually met Dec. 8 -- the day before Blagojevich was arrested.
Reached Monday, the Rev. Jesse Jackson said his calls to the governor's office during that time period pertained to state pardons, not his son's political aspirations.
"I've stayed a respectful -- but supportive -- distance from his political work," the elder Jackson said of his son. He said he had not been contacted by authorities.
Those 4 are some kinda ugly!
Four months later, Jackson and crew have had a chance to hide the evidence and create some type of explanation to exhonerate themselves.
This entire investigation was designed to do nothing.
A Jackson involved in a scandal? What’s happening in our world? /s
I shouldn’t have to write the /s.
It was designed to focus attention from other matters...
Gee, and his father is such a SUCCESSFUL extortionist! Maybe it skips a generation.
" I been in Congress 13 years. My earmarks totaled $231,000 as of 6/1/07.
There's plenty more where that came from IF they make me Senator."
" I told them guys to dump all the Obama DVD's, and start pushing my poster."
Richardson-pay to play scandal-withdraws
Geithner-Tax cheat confirmed
Daschle-Tax cheat withdraws
Killefer-Tax cheat withdraws
Solis (husband)-Tax Cheat (confirmed)
Sen Burris lied about "pay to play" contacts
VP Biden's daughter in cocaine bust
Rahn Emanuel (too numerous to mention)
Obama prez campaign accepted AIG donations
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (being there)
Cong Barney Frank, Freddie Mac scandals
Sen Chris Dodd, sweetheart deals with Countrywide
Other Dem Scandals:
Rangel-Tax cheat under investigation
Franken-Tax cheat in senate recount
Governor Blagojevich-pay to play scandal-impeached
Baltimore Mayor Dixon- indicted on perjury, theft charges
Racine Mayor Becker-Arrested For Child Porn & Soliciting Minors
Hartford Mayor Perez- arrested For Bribery
Birmingham Mayor Langford- arrested on federal charges
Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick-released from jail after 99 days
Portland mayor Adams- admitted that he had gay sex with teen intern
Chicago Alderwoman Troutman-Plead guilty to tax fraud and mail fraud
John Coyner’s wife, Detroit City Council President
Monica Conyers -implicated in Detroit bribery case
Tim Mahoney (D-FL) - Offered $121,000 payoff and $50,000 a year job for two years to quiet former mistress/staffer
Rep William J. Jefferson (D-LA) on trial on 6 counts including bribery. (Hid 90,000 cash in freezer)
NY Gov Eliot Spitzer - federal wiretaps reveal involvement with prostitution ring.
US Rep. Carnahan (D-MO) lien filed on his home for $17,364 unpaid bill from roofer
State Sen Dianne Wilkerson (MA) resigned; arrested on federal bribery charges (stuffed bribes in bra)
State Senator J. James Marzilli(MA) resigned after indicted for accosting four women.
GREAT LIST!!!! Can you put that on OTHER threads to remind everyone??? Thanks!!
Will do.
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