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Jackson: I Did Nothing Wrong
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. just gave a press conference adamantly denying any wrongdoing in connection with the Blagojevich charges.
"I reject and denounce pay-to-play politics, and have no involvement whatsoever in any wrongdoing,"Jackson said.
He added: "I did not initiate or authorize anyone at any time to promise anything to Governor Blagojevich at any time."
Jackson continued: "I spoke to the US Attorney's office and they shared with me that ... I am not accused of any misconduct."
Jackson said he met with the governor Tuesday (he meant Monday, it appears) to discuss the Senate seat, as was reported at the time, but that he believed he was in consideration on the merits.
He closed with an effort to associate himself with civil-rights history, saying he wanted to be judged "on the content of my character."
Earlier today, Jackson's lawyer all but admitted that Jackson is Senate Candidate 5. In the indictment filed against Blagojevich, the governor claims that an "emissary" from Candidate 5 approached him about a "pay to play" deal for the open Senate seat that Blagojevich has the power to fill.
Josh
Zachary
I think that any governor, senator or house rep should be elected by the people as opposed to be nominated by someone else.
This should be simple.
So special elections should be happening for the replacement of Senator Obama, Senator Clinton or Governor Napolitano...
December 10, 2008 4:50 PM | Reply | Permalink
Generally agree, but a placeholder appointment would be appropriate, too, to avoid the cost of a special election. Someone who would not run in the next election, perhaps a former office holder or other senior official who could bring influence but without the intention to run again.
December 10, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
what is the senate good for anyway other then rubber stamping wars in faraway countries?
December 11, 2008 1:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bell: Since you asked:
The Senate is very good at conducting investigations, not any good at producing results from those investigations. (A sternly Worded Letter is not a result.)
The Senate is very good at passing legislation which deprives Americans of their protections under the Bill of Rights.
The Senate is very good at refusing to bring lawbreakers to justice (those who ignored subpoenas).
The Senate is very good at passing legislation designed to give taxpayer money to the very rich.
This Democratic Senate is very good at supporting the Republican and Bush Administration policies and proposals and in refusing to hold even Republicans accountable for their criminal actions.
Need we go on?
.
December 12, 2008 8:57 AM | Reply | Permalink