Jackson, Jr. an informant to Blago investigations
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/12/16/art.jjbow1216.gi.jpg caption="Sources close to Rep. Jackson, Jr. told CNN Tuesday that the Illinois congressman has supplied information regarding Gov. Blagojevich to federal law enforcement officials since 2006."]SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (CNN) - Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. - who was cited in a criminal complaint against Rod Blagojevich - has been an informant for at least a decade with the U.S. Attorney's office, and has informed on the embattled governor of Illinois, though not in the case currently under investigation, Jackson spokesman Kenneth Edmonds told CNN Tuesday.
In addition, two sources close to Jackson told CNN that, in 2002, Blagojevich - then running for governor of Illinois - solicited a $25,000 campaign donation from Jackson, which he did not get.
At the time, Jackson's wife, Sandi, was a candidate for the job of director of the state's Lottery Commission, a post she did not win, the sources said.
After Blagojevich took office, in early 2003, he told Jackson something to the effect of, "You see what $25,000 would have done?" the sources said.
In 2006, Jackson reported the incident, which he believed to have been an attempt at a shakedown, the sources said.
The report, the sources said, came three three years later because Jackson's memory was jogged by another case - that of developer Tony Rezko, whose fraud and corruption trial included testimony about $25,000 donations to Blagojevich.
Jackson did not endorse Blagojevich in his initial campaign and tried to stay on the sidelines during the governor's re-election bid, one of the sources said.
Blagojevich's office did not return calls seeking comment.
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I is refreshing to see the one elected official, besides Obama, has some integrity.
Cnn you let "No Hillary-No Obama post such negative blogs...
Please whoever you are "no Hillary-No Obama...what are you going to do for the next four years....STAY NEGATIVE!!! You seriously need to get a real life..cause it seems you are a miserable and unhappy person....
I fee sorry for you and the rest of the Haters...
The USA is in trouble, and if you don't think so, just read the comments on this subject. We have become a nation of negative thinkers. Why don't we just sit back and let this whole situation play out rather than cast doubt and point fingers at everybody. Fitzgerald will bring the truth to light. In the meantime, if you can't say something nice, don't say anything!
Nothing against JJ Jr for the time being. But, look .... if you have a Dad who is a shakedown guy and controversial in political circles, do yourself a favor: choose from #1, #2, or #3 below.
1. Pursue a career in something other than politics. If you have lots of skill and can get things done by effort and intelligence, you have no reason to be a politician anyway, unless you are really into "power tripping" or living an easy life.
2. Go into politics if you must, but far, far away from Chicago and Illinois. If you play in that sewer, even wearing a wet suit, you are going to smell an awfully lot like the rest of the sewer dwellers at least at various points.
3. Become a staff type person in government, one that doesn't need to get elected.
Also, Mr. Jackson the Younger, watch the Godfather carefully, focusing on the role of Michael Corleone. You either have to put down the baggage and walk completely away from it, or the baggage will drag you along in directions you might not like,
Interesting. I hope Jesse Jr. didn't succumb to taking the easy way to power.
All of you people are hilarious. Most of you obviously don't follow Chicago politics – but you sure do like bashing it, don't you?
In Chicago, Blago is old news. We knew this was all going to come down, the only question was WHEN.
That's the million dollar question folks. And it's less about Obama and more about old washington ways and the good ole boys network than you think.
Yes, Chicago politics are corrupt – just like everywhere else. THAT should be the focus....corruption....corruption....corruption....
Poor people unite – WE are the ones being penalized for this – NOT the rich people. The rich and connected people of this country are the problem – that's the real truth.
This has been going on every since we have been voting for any official to hold office. So why is everyone so surprise at anything that happens now.
The trouble is with the internet and reports the truths never get told. One person get the story right but by the time it makes it round everything has been twisted up and no one knows who twisted it up. I feel that Jackson did the right thing and there is probably a lot of people did the very same thing. Information is much easier to get told than in the past because of the internet.
Sometimes the news reporter make things worse by keep saying the same thing over and over again. We have a lot of important things to worry about with people losing their jobs, homes and everything. this stuff is not important at all.
You conservatives keep trying. You have been pretty quite concerning Tom Delay, David Vitter, Larry Craig, Dick Cheney and George Bush. But when it comes to the Illinois governor you think this is the ultimate in corruption. George Bush has destroyed this country. He has militarized the police departments and made it so the national guard can attack their own people. Nothing Blagojevich did will ever compare to what the republicans have done in the last 30 years.
Why no mention of Obama? He and Blago go WAAAAAAY back.
When it's all said and done, I think Jessie Jr. is going to end up with Blago's job in a few years.
We have no idea what the Feds have not released to the public and I can bet you if they thought for one second Jessie Jr was doing anything illegal, they would have set him up and taken him down.
The transcripts released are just the tip of the iceberg.
I f he needed a brike of 25,000 from you fews years, why did you think that this proces of selecting Senetor to replace Obama seat will be fair?
Secrets, lies, snitches, double standards. Sounds like politics as usual here in Illinois.