From the onset, Jesse Jackson Jr. has denied doing anything improper in connection with President Obama’s old senate seat. So far, it looks like he hasn’t convinced the FBI of that. The scandal involving ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich is likely to grow.
By Jeff Coen and John Chase
Chicago Tribune
CHICAGO — Federal authorities have questioned a former chief of staff to ex-Gov. Rod Blagojevich and other cooperating witnesses about an attempt by friends of Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to raise funds for Blagojevich to encourage him to pick Jackson for the U.S. Senate, sources said.
A federal grand jury investigating alleged corruption in the Blagojevich administration is expected to hear from witnesses about the fundraising effort in coming weeks, sources said.
Federal prosecutors allege Blagojevich, who was indicted last week on corruption charges, was considering awarding the seat to Jackson in return for a Jackson associate offering $1.5 million in campaign cash.
Covert recordings of Blagojevich last fall allegedly captured the then-governor suddenly going from cold to hot on naming Jackson to replace President Barack Obama in the Senate.
Prosecutors allege Blagojevich told aides he had been promised something tangible and immediate to name Jackson to the seat-namely money-and that he was leaning toward appointing Jackson.
In a 2/22/09 interview with the Daily Southtown’s Kristen McQueary, Congressman Jackson was quoted as saying, “I am not a snitch.” Though he states that he was cooperating fully with those investigating the pay-to-play grab for Obama’s senate seat, the quote about not being a snitch is confusing. There is nothing inappropriate about immediately reporting corruption at the highest levels of elected government.
Constituents in Congressman Jackson’s district look forward to a resolution of this matter. As McQueary participated in the Congressman’s fundraising “roast”, I have little confidence in the local press addressing this.
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