During his press conference, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., “Senate Candidate 5,” categorically denied any involvement in Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich alleged conspiracy to sell President-elect Barack Obama’s senate seat to the highest bidder.
Jackson Jr. denied sending an “emissary” to cut a deal with Blago. He presumably will stick to his story when he meets with federal prosecutors.
Meanwhile, Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. says it wasn’t him. ABCNews.com caught Jackson Sr. on the fly at the airport:
So I am not an emissary. I am not targeted. And I have no accusers. That’s simply not true.
Jackson Sr. released a statement “regarding speculation surrounding the ‘pay-to-play’ charges against Gov. Rod Blagojevich”:
Our office has received calls today inquiring about or suggesting that I or a member of my family served as an emissary in Governor Blagojevich’s “pay-to-play” scheme, revealed through wire-taps, to fill the state’s open Senate seat. It is not true. Such speculation is unfair, has no basis in fact, and wrongfully damages reputations. U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald warned people to refrain from casting aspersions on those not named in the affidavit.
In the media, speculation can take on a life of its own. Facts about this delicate matter must be uncovered in the courtroom, not the newsroom. Questions pertaining to the affidavit should be directed to the law office of Cochran and Montgomery.
In the media, speculation can take on a life of its own. Facts about this delicate matter must be uncovered in the courtroom, not the newsroom. Questions pertaining to the affidavit should be directed to the law office of Cochran and Montgomery.
