On a side note, c'mon Illinois. What were ya'll thinkin' when you elected a guy named Blago? He looks crooked. I don't know if it's the strange hairpiece or the dude's general "eff' you, pay me" demeanor, but this fella seemed shady from the jump. Never trust
Some folks (I'm thinkin' about you, Sharpe James) just have that "takin' penitentiary chances" sheen about him, and Blago was no different. Heck, even his wife was in on the action. Off with their figurative heads.
But the real shocker just broke a few moments ago.
Chicago Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., is the anonymous "Senate Candidate No. 5" whose emissaries Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich reportedly offered up to $1 million to name him to the U.S. Senate, his attorney confirmed today after it was reported earlier on ABCNews.com "The Blotter".As if the family name weren't tarnished enough, now Lil' Jesse has be caught with his hands in the FBI's cookie jar.
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 told ABC News this morning he was contacted Tuesday by federal prosecutors in Chicago whom he said "asked me to come in and share with them my insights and thoughts about the selection process."
Jackson Jr.'s attorney James Montgomery confirmed that the Chicago congressman is "Senate Candidate #5" but said "Jackson has never authorized anyone to seek the Governor's support in return of money, fundraising or other things of value."
Jackson said "I don't know" when asked if he was Candidate #5 earlier this morning, but said he was told "I am not a target of this investigation." Jackson he agreed to talk with federal investigators "as quickly as possible" after consulting with a lawyer. Montgomery said his client would meet with prosecutors Friday or Monday.
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.
"It is impossible for someone on my behalf to have a conversation that would suggest any type of quid pro quo or any payments or offers," Jackson told ABC News. "An impossibility to an absolute certainty." "Senate Candidate No. 5" played a key role in the governor's efforts to obtain something of value in exchange for the Senate appointment, according to the FBI affidavit.
According to the affidavit, Blagojevich threatened to appoint Senate Candidate No. 5 if President-elect Obama refused to help get his wife on "paid corporate boards right now."
"If they feel like they can do this and not f-- give me anything then I'll f-- go [Senate Candidate 5]."
Call me a hypocrite (I've been called worse today alone), but I'm really, really, really hoping this isn't true. I'm not just saying this because Jesse Jr. and I share an alma mater. I've just never quite gotten that "penitentiary chances" vibe from him, and I really thought he'd be a good fill-in for Obama. He's sure as heck been shamelessly angling for the position for the past year. He's lost weight and redone his public image, even reportedly saved an on-the-rocks marriage in anticipation. Heck, he even plowed down his own father in the process. I wasn't too crazy about that move, but I really like the guy and wanted him to succeed.
Needless to say, by mere virtue of even having his name attached to such innuendo, those Senatorial dreams are up in smoke.
MLK is crying inside. So am I.
Question: Do you think Jesse Jr's career is toast, should the allegations be proven true?
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. Is 'Senate Candidate No. 5' [ABC News]
