Jackson Jr.’s name featured at Blagojevich retrial
Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s retrial has started to focus more on U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.
Blagojevich is heard in FBI wiretaps played in court Wednesday talking about the Chicago Democrat as a possible candidate to fill the U.S. Senate seat Barack Obama vacated after winning the presidential election.
Among the charges Blagojevich faces is that he sought to sell or trade an appointment to Obama’s seat.
Blagojevich had flatly rejected Jackson weeks before. But by early December, he’s heard on recordings alluding to alleged promises from Jackson backers to raise Blagojevich money if he appoints Jackson.
In one conversation, Blagojevich is heard saying he’s considering Jackson because the congressman’s supporters are offering what Blagojevich describes as “tangible support” and offering it “upfront.”
Jackson himself isn’t accusing of any wrongdoing.