Sources Say Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is 'Senate Candidate #5'

[dkf]

Chicago Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) is the anonymous "Senate Candidate #5" whose emissaries Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich reportedly claimed offered up to a million dollars to name him to the U.S. Senate, federal law enforcement sources tell ABC News.

Feds to Interview Jesse Jackson Jr. in Blagojevich Probe. Jackson says he's been informed he's not a target of the investigation
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. said today that the FBI wants to interview him as part of the investigation...

Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. said today that the FBI wants to interview him as part of the investigation into Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, though he says he's been told he is not a target of the probe. In this 2005 file photo, Blagojevich, left, is congratulated by Rev. Jesse Jackson, right, and Jackson's son, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. D-Ill., second from right, after Blagojevich delivered his State of the State address to a joint session of the Illinois General Assembly in the House of Representatives at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill.


According to the FBI affidavit in the case, Blagojevich "stated he might be able to cut a deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH" with something "tangible up front."

Jackson Jr. said this morning he was contacted yesterday by federal prosecutors in Chicago who he said "asked me to come in and share with them my insights and thoughts about the selection process."

Jackson Jr. said "I don't know" when asked if he was Candidate #5, but said he was told "I am not a target of this investigation."

Jackson Jr. said he agreed to talk with federal investigators "as quickly as possible" after he consults with a lawyer.

The Congressman, a son of the famed civil rights leader, denied that anyone had been authorized to make payments or promises to the Governor on his behalf. http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/ConductUnbecoming/Story?id=6431739&page=1

[tekisui]

1. Shit. I was hoping no one else would be tangled in this.

[babylonsister]

2. So he could be bought? Where would he get that kind of money?

I hope this isn't true.

[dkf]

5. Who knows. Blago seemed deluded about what he could get

out of people for the seat. Maybe he figured if someone wants it enough, they can get it.

If I was listening to the guy, I'd just be nodding uh huh, then I'd walk out and think he was crazy.

[cali]

8. I don't believe it. And it's not just because I really like him

At this time, there isn't any reason to believe he's corrupt.

[dkf]

10. Was there news saying Candidate #5 was going to agree to Blago's demands?

I thought the scandal was simply in the asking.

[ErinBerin84]

3. yikes.

[Nickster]

4. I saw Jesse Jr's reaction on the news, his posture and his speech really screamed to me at least

that he was #5. I'm seriously dissappointed if it is him.

[countingbluecars]

6. This makes me sad.

He is an impressive guy. I don't want this to be true.

[ErinBerin84]

7. me neither.

[Occam Bandage]

9. Motherfucking fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.

I suppose that's why you can't trust anyone in Chicago politics.

[tekisui]

13. Shhhhhh.

Don't go that far. We have Chicago pols at the helm, now.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

11. When did news outlets start writing like Weekly World News?

Not at all directed at you, dkf. But the last five stories I have read have been from "source". I'm really sick of it. Especially because "source" has about a 60/40 track record.

[dkf]

12. The Rahm rumor seems to be wrong too.

We will learn if this is true soon enough I imagine. On the other hand, JJ Jr, could simply deny it.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

14. He did, in the video. He said he never authorized anyone, and that it's an impssibility that a

staffer did it on their own.

[babylonsister]

15. Per this, it is...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=4619941&mesg_id=4619941

Rahm Source: Story That He Tipped Off Feds To Blago Is False


Stinkin' faux started this one...

[Peacetrain]

16. What if # 5 was a Conservative?

HMMMMMMMMMM... Blago is so delusional, I would not put it past him.. (hoping that the Jesse Jr, rumor is just that, a rumor started by the wingnuts)

[FrenchieCat]

17. The problem with this is that they don't actually have candidate #5 on tape....

but they do have candidate #4 on tape assisting Blago in his ponderance.

Who is candidate #4. He is described as a Deputy Governor or something.

What about that? :shrug:

[maddezmom]

19. Governor Blagojevich names Dean Martinez as Deputy Governor

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2008



Governor Blagojevich names Dean Martinez as Deputy Governor
Governor also announces Michael McRaith as new Secretary of the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation


CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today announced the promotion of Dean Martinez to Deputy Governor for the state of Illinois. Martinez, the son of Cuban immigrants, is the first Latino Deputy Governor in Illinois history. He will join Deputy Governors Bob Greenlee and Louanner Peters to steer key initiatives of the Governor.



In his new role, Martinez will oversee the State’s economic development, infrastructure, business regulation and environmental agencies, and will be a close advisor to the Governor on policies and initiatives to create jobs, invest in infrastructure, stimulate the Illinois economy and advance the Governor’s environmental agenda.



“I am very happy to have Dean on board. As the son of immigrants he brings a diverse background to my Administration and will be a voice for Latinos across the state. He was instilled with the concepts of hard work and commitment from an early age and he has used those virtues to tackle a number of important issues on behalf of Illinois families. Most recently, he has helped me to launch the Homeowner Assistance Initiative, which offers Illinois families professional mortgage counseling and access to affordable 30-year fixed-rate mortgages,” said Governor Blagojevich. “As Deputy Governor I have every belief that he will help me to make sure that Illinois’ economy prospers, families are protected, people have jobs, and that Illinois continues to be a leader on environmental issues such as climate change.”


more:http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=3&RecNum=7318
Candidate 4: This is someone close to Blagojevich, in the complaint transcript Blagojevich refers to Candidate 4 as someone who would give up the Senate seat for him if need be. Blagojevich allegedly said that he could “count on , if things got hot, to give up and let me parachute over there” in case Blagojevich was indicted. Candidate 4 is also identified as "a deputy governor of Illinois." Current Deputy governors include Dean Martinez, Bob Greenlee and Louanner Peters.

more:http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/09/whos-who-in-illinois/?ref=opinion

[olkaz]

18. If JJJ got caught up in this, it's good that he gets caught now

Before he can do this at a higher level later on.