Fox 32 Chicago: Jesse "Illinois is America" Jackson Jr. is Candidate 5

I just saw a report by Kelly Kraft on Fox 32 Chicago, and she says that sources are telling her that "Candidate 5" is Jesse Jackson, Jr, a congressman representing Chicago's South Side and parts of Chicago's southwest suburbs.

The Southtown Star has more.

Federal prosecutors say someone approached Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Candidate 5's behalf and offered to trade campaign contributions for an appointment to the Senate.

Jackson (D-2nd), in a pair of written statements addressing what he described as "rumors" that he is referenced in the government's complaint, declined to address the question but protested his innocence and said he would cooperate "fully and completely" with federal investigators as they continue to examine the governor's alleged efforts to auction off the state's vacant Senate seat to the highest bidder.

"Since the federal investigation of the governor is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment," Jackson said. "However, I reject and denounce pay-to-play politics and have no involvement whatsoever in any wrongdoing."

President-elect Barack Obama is distancing himself from the Blago scandal. But "Junior" was one of many prime-time speakers at the Democratic National Convention in August. During his speech, the congressman boasted, "Illinois is America."

Thank God he is wrong.

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A taste of Chicago in Denver will leave voters with a stomache ache

Technorati tags: politics Illinois Democrats Chicago Obama Barack Obama DNC Denver Jesse Jackson Jr. rod blagojevich