[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.
Well, if this is true, then my opinion of Mr. Jackson is much improved. If he was actually working on taking down a dirty politician instead of angling to buy a senate seat, then his actions are understandable.
I guess we'll find out all about it when Blaggo goes to trial.
-jcr
If true, good for him!
So, what does it all mean?
the point of this investigation is not jessie but that rotten guy Blagojevich,, hes the one who is screwing with $$s and coruppting alot of things,, he needs to be impeached now!!!!!,, this man has no concience and needs to be locked away,,
The press should do what the prosecutor asked and let him finish his job. Does it bother you at all that your speculation and rumor spreading could be ruining not only someone's career, his name, as well as an investigation?? There are so many things going on that needs reporting. Your obsession with this line of reporting is really undermining your credibility!!
Won't be shpwn but it made me feel better for writing it!!
Who knew politics could be soooo interesting. Hahahaha
I would like see which friends donated the most on getting Obama in his current position.
Think for a second. His value as an informant is severely compromised by being outed by the press. Is it any wonder he wouldn't want that known, especially if he's involved in other investigations?
If his involvement was part of a dragnet to take down Blago, well...good work, Justice.
I knew Jackson was clean! You'd never think this if you read all the posts over at Gretawire@fox! Boy oh boy! They are'nt even letting posts go through anymore if you have anything positive to say about the democratic side anymore! Someone needs to look into that blog Greta has over there! Their getting away with too much now!!
Mannnnnnnnnnn ...seems like the Illinoise government is a full blown mob business...shocking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is quite easy to prove. Either the feds will confirm or deny. When Obama said they couldn't release something because Patrick Fitzgerald told them not to. Fitzgerald's office confirm.
If this is true, someone should be able to confirm either on or off the record.
If it's not true, then he is really stupid to lie about something like that.
Dave, i lol'd at your comment. I too believe this is a load of bull.
And here is obama and friends up from a typical Chicago cesspool. You dem's are in for bumpy 4 year ride. Looks like your obamanation has started early.
What a crock of crap. He is just trying anything and everything to get that senate seat. you can look at his face and see that he is nothing but a liar. Jesse Jr. shut the hell up.
A "shakedown," huh? Well, JJ Junior would know one. His dad is an expert at shakedowns. Just ask any major business within Jessie, Sr's, sphere of influence. He got rich shaking down businesses by threatening to turn his thugs loose on them if he didn't get a "contribution."
WELL THIS IS ONE WAY TOO TRY TO GET OUT OF THE JAM HE FIND'S HIMSELF IN.GOOD GUY BAD GUY WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN WHEN BLAGO'S START'S SINGING.
Of course he' not corrupt like the repubs want everyone to think! It's unbelievable how the RNC is still trying to divide this country, especially now!! Their trying everything they can to stop Obama from being sworn in come Jan, and I agree with the previous post about Gretawire!! She and all her followers over there continuously instigate and blog complete negativity towards the democratic party. And she sure is'nt letting anyone post anything that's different from their views over there. How does she keep getting away with this? And they claim Fair and Balanced? What a joke!!!
Snitches should be dumped in politcal ditches! Lol. Jesse Jackson, or Jessie James?
Now he is an informant, interesting how things change when you are caught with your hand in the cookie jar! I bet you, he is wheeling and dealing with the Feds to save his soul...and will do anything to save his hide!
It is interesting THAT he said he was an informant and NOT the FBI. The ONLY reason he remembered 3 years later was because he thoght maybe, just maybe, he is on tape.
Like Father like Son. You can't believe either one of them. Really put on a good act at the press conf. and was hoodwinking the whole time. Only a sample of what is yet to come. Ready for the change?
Jr should be on Slamboma's team .O's from the same bunch in Chi
town.
What's good about being an informant......or snitch?
The fruit don't fall far from the tree. I hope JJJ is innocent. His daddy has dirty hands and I think lil Jessie has worked hard not to fall in the same foot steps as the good Rev. Keep hope alive Jr. Keep hope alive. The real criminal here is Blago.
LOL. JESSE IS A RAT!!! LOL. Of course, we know what Jesse Sr said about Obama. Maybe they turned over some dirt on Obama too. OMG! Rats everywhere!
Shake Down!