Report: Jesse Jackson Jr. Is Senate Candidate Number 5

Candidate Number 5, mentioned prominently in the 76-page complaint filed against Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, has been identified by none other than Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. Jesse Jackson Jr. is the son of Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader.

The revelation may prove to be a problem for Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. "Candidate Number 5" is referred to by Rod Blagojevich as being willing to fork over a million dollars for Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich's campaign should he run for reelection for the Barack Obama Senate seat,. This was told to Rod Blagojevich, it is alleged, by associates of Candidate Number 5.

Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. has denied all knowledge of the alleged offer and has promised to meet with prosecutors to try to clear the matter up. According to FOX News:

"Jackson, who has expressed interest in being appointed to the post, told ABC News that he did not authorize anyone to make payments or promises on his behalf to the governor, and he is going to meet with federal prosecutors "as quickly as possible" after consulting with lawyers.

"'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 Jr. told ABC News. 'An impossiblity to an absolute certainty.'

"Jackson said federal prosecutors in Chicago 'asked me to come in and share with them my insights and thoughts about the selection process.' He told the news network he doesn't know if he is Senate Candidate 5, but said he was told he is not a target of this investigation."

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested by FBI agents on several charges of corruption, including attempting to sell Barack Obama's Senate seat. Rod Blagojevich is currently out on bail.

The suggestion that Senate Candidate Number 5 is Jesse Jackson Jr. only indicates the widening scope of the investigation into Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich alleged corrupt political dealings. There is some talk of a special prosecutor being named, which would prove a major and long term headache not only in Illinois political circles, but in the future Obama administration. There is some question, for example, about when and if and how often Barack Obama and Rod Blagojevich have had personal contact.

These kinds of investigations can blight a Presidential administration. The last two years of the Clinton administration were distracted by the Monica Lewinsky affair. The last two years of the Reagan administration were taken up by Iran Contra, which spilled over into the Bush the Elder administration. And, of course, Watergate sunk Richard Nixon.

It's a strange development. Usually an administration has to be sworn into office and have governed for a while before having its first scandal and the possibility of a special prosecutor. But now Barack Obama and various political allies in Illinois face that even before he becomes President. Even if one is innocent, people who become targets of such investigations find, between legal fees and wrecked reputations, their lives in ruin. It's a horrible price for public service, but one that will be paid so long as there is political corruption and the politicians willing to engage in it.

Source: Report: Jesse Jackson Jr. Allegedly Named by Blagojevich as Willing to Pay for Senate Seat, Fox News, December 10th, 2008