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Jesse Jackson, Jr. Confirms Probe
April 08, 2009 5:40 PM
Yes, I’m being investigated, and no, I didn’t do anything wrong, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) said in a statement today.
“I am cooperating fully with the preliminary review being conducted by the Office of Congressional Ethics,” Jackson said in the emailed statement. That confirmed yesterday’s Chicago Sun-Times report that the office was examining Jackson in relation to the criminal corruption case against ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
Blagojevich believed an “emissary” from Jackson had offered him a “pay to play” scheme, where he would pocket $1 million in campaign contributions if he named Jackson to the U.S. Senate seat vacated by now-President Barack Obama, according to the complaint prosecutors filed against Blagojevich.
“As I said when the Blagojevich scandal first broke back in December, I have done nothing wrong and reject pay-to-play politics,” Jackson’s statement read. “I'm confident that this new ethics office -- which I voted in favor of creating -- will be able to conduct a fair and expeditious review and dismiss this matter.”
Last October, prominent Chicago businessmen with connections to both Blagojevich and Jackson reportedly discussed raising money for the then-governor as a way to secure for Jackson the U.S. Senate seat soon to have been vacated by now-President Barack Obama. Blagojevich had the power to appoint Obama’s successor.
The meeting reportedly led to a December fundraiser, which Jackson’s brother, Jonathan, attended. Jackson has called the fundraiser “inconsequential” and denied his brother acted as an “emissary” on his behalf.
Jackson said he was “notified” last week of the probe.
The panel of six non-lawmakers conducting the inquiry has 30 days to review the matter. It does not adjudicate wrongdoing, but can refer matters to the House Ethics Committee with recommendations for further investigation.
“I’m not terribly surprised,” said Cindi Canary of the non-profit independent watchdog, Illinois Campaign for Political Reform. Since the congressman’s name surfaced in the Blagojevich case, “the clouds started swirling around Jackson’s head,” she said. “A lot of questions were raised, and it’s appropriate they try to answer them.”
April 8, 2009 in Jesse Jackson, Jr. | Permalink | Share | User Comments (23)
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Guys,
Look at that big smile from Mr. Jesse Jackson, Jr photo above. It almost look like Mr. Jackson is clapping at what Governor Blago is saying.
Posted by: young_voter | Apr 8, 2009 6:32:38 PM
Oh Lord, let me get outta here. Because the fake Matlocks that know EACH and EVERY detail of the case are coming.
WATCH OUT............HERE THEY COME !!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Guilty Until Proven Innocent | Apr 8, 2009 6:39:22 PM
I just think the more they investigate the Illinois politicians that it should extend to Obama and his dealings with REZKO. Why are just certain people investigated? Obviously the Obamas have REAL real estate dealings together with Rezko, not just tapped phone conversations. Its so very biased the way the filthy politicians in Illinois carry on investigating their personal enemies and giving all the breaks to their buddies, who engage in "pay to play" right before our eyes.
Do you know what a man like Rezko does? He takes taxpayer monies, grants, tax breaks, handouts, CRA funds and whatever else he can get and DOESN'T build housing for the poor with it. He shafts the poor. And the local municipalities enable him. This is the same story with all the Rezkos in every state. We have plenty in Florida.
Funny thing, sounds like taking taxpayer money and giving it to crooked banks, doesn't it sound oh, so Obama? (the Obama of today).
I think the more they dredge up in Illinois, the closer it leads to Obama.
Posted by: tropicgirl | Apr 8, 2009 6:54:49 PM
"Obviously"?!?!?!
There's one now.
Posted by: Guilty Until Proven Innocent | Apr 8, 2009 7:06:43 PM
He and his little friend Roland Burris are 2 peas in a very skanky pod. They should hand their heads in shame never be heard from again.
Posted by: Bernard Profitendieu | Apr 8, 2009 7:13:06 PM
Jessie Jackson JR is a crook and so is his father the "Reverend"
Posted by: CW | Apr 8, 2009 7:43:28 PM
You ain't seen nothin', yet!
Why does the caged bird sing? Before too long, the birds will be caged and then they will start their singing.
Currently, the Federal prosecutors are caught between a rock and a hard place: They probably have enough evidence to indict and bring charges against highly and newly elected officials; however, because of their fear of interceding upon a historical occurrence, they really don't know what to do. It is a major dilemma: How do you go into the halls of power and dampen such a historical election without badly damaging the country, and to a major extent, the world? .
For the good of the Nation, maybe they will decide to leave this mess alone.
Posted by: Percy | Apr 8, 2009 7:54:48 PM
N word pleassssseee
N word was look'n fo dat seat and da N word no it
Posted by: Jamal4real | Apr 8, 2009 7:55:14 PM
In order for Blagojevich to be guilty of trying to sell Obama's seat, there has to be a buyer, erego Scapegoat Jesse Jr. The feds know that they do not have a case against Blagojevich, so they are setting Jesse Jr. up, seeing that he was one of the most eager candidates wanting the seat. Looks like the debaucle with Stevens of Alaska would tell the feds to leave things alone. I assume the federal procecutors are supporting, if not heading this Congressional "ethics" investigation. I doubt that very few of our Congressmen could pass the strict letters of the ethics law, themselves. What Congress should focus on besides the economy, is new ethic laws concerning campaigning and lobbyists.We can not throw the most egregious crooks out of our financial system meltdown, because all of the politicians have taken donations from them.
Posted by: lwba | Apr 8, 2009 7:56:45 PM
This is Chicago style politics as well as the Obamanation as usual. Criminal activity is nothing new to the liberals that teach, preach, and practice bribery as away of life. From the pulpit of any Church of God in Christ Church to the Obamanation fund raiser bribery is a way of life. Hands get greased, palms get soothed, and pockets get filled Illinois politics as planned and along the way Christ Hospital get to keep it's mission going.
Posted by: Patrick Hagger | Apr 8, 2009 8:16:00 PM
Jackson, Burris and all - ALL GUILTY AS CHARGED! So let's get on with the investigation and kick all of them out for they are some of the most corrupted in politics.
Posted by: Karen | Apr 8, 2009 8:48:04 PM
lets not forget about John Murtha..another democrat under investigation, and charles rangel
lets see that makes 28 democrats in a year ... these dems are the epitomy of corruption, not to mention the little impotent guy in the white house that bows to saudi kings
Posted by: Obama cabinet of corruption featuring TURBOTAX TIMMY | Apr 8, 2009 9:19:20 PM
i can't wait to see justice brought to blagojevich and anyone else connected to corrupt politics... i voted for obama and still completely support him... i don't think he was party to this pay for play scandal, but the haters will try to connect him to anything they can... losers
Posted by: earth_not_flat | Apr 8, 2009 10:16:54 PM
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON......
Posted by: jeff | Apr 8, 2009 10:17:16 PM
I am encouraged to see that Congress has now put in place a more aggressive program to police itself. If Democrats continue to prove willing and able to deal with possible corruption in their own party, they have a shot at holding the majority far longer than the Republicans did. As more information continues to come out about Republican abuse of power, the public has little patience for Democrats to simply declare 'my turn' and continue politics as usual.
Posted by: jhw539 | Apr 8, 2009 10:35:03 PM
Chicago is the home of corruption.The federals are afraid of the repercussions of this investigation.I can't wait to watch Blago singing butas always the dems are expected to be corrupt and walk away without consequences. Just take a look at the Congress. Charlie Rangel, Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Pelosi, Reed , the worst Congress this country ever had with a 12% approval rating and in the White House the tax cheaters they will remain there and blame everyone else for their crimes.
Posted by: Frank | Apr 8, 2009 10:43:35 PM
Frank:"the worst Congress this country ever had with a 12% approval rating"
According to Gallup, on Mar 5-8th 2009 39% of those polled approved of the job Congress is doing. This can be compared to the exact same question asked in Dec 2006 when only 21% approved of Congress (the last month of a Republican majority in the House). Can you support your assertion about the 12% approval rating and provide context with the approval rating in 2006?
Posted by: jhw539 | Apr 8, 2009 10:54:43 PM
jhw539 ..It will be lower once you start to see your paycheck getting smaller and your taxes getting higher. Thanks to the Obamination 1.5 trillion Wall Street bailout and the next 3.7 to 'fix" the economy.I'll be in the Bahamas, good luck
Posted by: Frank | Apr 8, 2009 11:19:14 PM
He is a politician from Illinois so he should be investigated.
Posted by: Mihann | Apr 9, 2009 4:27:47 AM
As a Christian I am thankful to God that the corruption of minorities is finally being brought to the forfront. Dispite the CRA 1964 and the sitting president being of mixed race, yet incompotency and bribery is still hidden when it involve black political office holders. Their crimes are usually mentioned and then swept under the rug. Audits should be done of all Chicago area poltical office holders in Illinois and washington D.C. as an integrity issue the innocent have nothing to fear an auditing.
Posted by: Patrick Hagger | Apr 9, 2009 10:32:40 AM
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