Jackson, Jr. an informant to Blago investigations
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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Wow! I am glad to learn that Mr. Jackson has been an informat. This should help to quiet some folks who have been quick to hang him without due process. I think Fitzs may have jump the gun publizing the case, but i am sure there is more to come. In the mean time, i suggest the repubs tried to expend engery and money helping to right the economy etc. It is important to demonstrate "country first": This is a critical time for the country and the world. Please think in Macro and Mico.
Think they will appoint hime to Obamas old senate seat? wonder if he had to turn into an informant to get charges dropped.
I'm sorry but isn't an informant to remain anonymous?! If so, then the media would report a dog's FART just to break a story. Now we see why a lot of people keep their mouths closed and dont' open to police.
Cool. I like JJJ and I hope he is appointed the senate seat.
Hmm wonder what made him decide to do that..
They stop asking Obama about the case now it is Jackson again....Give it up CNN. He has being told he is not the target!!
Hes a good guy,and should get a medal.I hope the they get the Senators from Tenn.,Alabama and Kentucky too for taking money from car companies not in this country.
let's see some proof of the claim
Is an informant the same as a snitch?
These politicians lead such exciting and double lives.... us common unemployed folks sure are missing out on the fun.
So why did it take so long for the Feds to catch up with Blagojevich?
WHAT A STORY! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!
Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. has fought hard to serve the public in the most honest and honorable manner. Then out of no where, a big mouth Gov. Rod Blagojevich start blatantly boasting that he has President-Elect Obama's Senate seat up for sale. Seven candidates contest for the Senate seat and unfortunately five of the seven are discussed by big mouth Blagojevich on a wiretap in a way that improperly snares all seven candidates plus the President-Elect. Jackson was the most unfortunate, as the public turned on him simply because he is the son of controversial of figure. Now the public finds out that Jackson Jr. has "truly" been clean because it is pretty tough to be "dirty" when you are a snitch for the Feds.
1st
ok........ GO!
I'm not buying this one bit yet. I would like to see some documentation from the FBI on this one first before anything.
well i certainly hope that this story has more facts..what ever happened to getting the story..then publishing..?
really poor on the "journalism" meter
Details please! "Informant" has a lot of potential meaning, but this article needs context. Do you mean he called the US Attorney when he heard about some wrongdoing, or do you mean he was some kind of undercover operative for the Justice Dept for 10 years?
All that time people actually thought he had some bad involvement when he actually was doing the state a favor by putting him away.
It would seem that Mr. Jackson would be completely innocent of offering to raise $1.5 million dollars for Blagojevich's coffers to obtain the Obama Senate seat if he was an informant for all of those years and knew that Big Brother was watching their every move. But then, Blagojevich knew he was being investigated for several years and continued to allegedly let his mouth lead the way to corruption charges. You never know the truth until the fat lady sings.
Jesse Jackson Jr. is a great public servant, and I hope he makes it to the U.S. Senate!
Let me hear the feds say if first instead of sources close to Jesse Jr.
"sources close to Jackson"??? Calling the cops on the crooks is a good thing, but somehow this article sounds sleazy – like he's been a tattletale or something. The picture that goes with it adds to the atmosphere that Jackson did something wrong by being "an informant". Perhaps it should say "stood up for the law"?
Good for him!!!
Good for him. Anyone who helps put corrupt politicians of EITHER party away is OK, and this is a Republican saying this. However, most informants find they are forced to inform rather than being charged with something. Is that the case here? If not, what would motivate a die-hard Democrat to volunteer to inform on a die-hard Democrat?
Really? Suddenly I find I like Jackson more than I thought I did. Hope Blagojavich can keep a grip on a bar of soap. Say Hi to Bubba for me governor.
IF HE WAS AN INFORMANT FOR OTHER PROBES, HE'S THE ONE WHO INFORMED THE US ATTORNEY. That is why when he met the governor on Monday on Tuesday morning the governor was arrested.
THIS IS THE WAY CNN is trying to make this guy look the good guy>But i hope they are better than that.The truth will came out .They love Obama and they will what is necessary to vindicate obama from this deal