Blago: Jackson Jr. a 'strong candidate' to replace Obama

U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is another candidate interested in the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich says he's meeting Monday with Jackson and described the Chicago Democrat as a "very strong" candidate.

It is the Illinois governor's job to fill Obama's old seat. But the Illinois governor says he has yet to make up his mind.

Blagojevich will not say who is on his short list. He says his hope is to pick a replacement before the holidays.

He dismissed the notion that his pick would be tainted by the cloud of a federal investigation hanging over his administration.

Blagojevich says there is no cloud, but only "sunshine" hanging over him.