Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. directed a major political fund-raiser to offer former Gov. Rod Blagojevich millions of dollars in campaign cash in return for an appointment to the U.S. Senate, sources said the fund-raiser has told federal authorities. […]
…[Oak Brook businessman Raghuveer Nayak] said he had a critical conversation with the congressman about the seat while the two were alone. Nayak, also a former Blagojevich fund-raiser, said that Jackson asked him to tell Blagojevich that if the then-governor appointed Jackson to the U.S. Senate, Chicago’s Indian community would raise $1 million for Blagojevich and — after Jackson was appointed — Jackson would raise $5 million for the then-governor.
The Oak Brook businessman had been in Washington for a bill signing regarding U.S.-India relations. Jackson picked up Nayak from the White House, where they posed for a picture together. The photo was entered into evidence during Blagojevich’s summer trial.
Nayak also told authorities he paid for two airline trips for a “social acquaintance” of the Democratic congressman at Jackson’s request, raising more potential ethical and political problems for Jackson.
The FBI interviewed that acquaintance — a Washington, D.C., restaurant hostess named Giovana Huidobro — about a year ago as part of its corruption probe of Blagojevich. […]
[Huidobro] also said she flew to Chicago on several occasions at Jackson’s request and that Jackson sometimes reimbursed her for her travels.
Nayak told the FBI that he paid for two airline trips for Huidobro from Washington to Chicago in 2008.
Now, new revelations suggest that an Indian-American businessman, Raghuveer Nayak, was doing favors of another kind for Jackson.
A Chicago Sun-Times report today that Nayak - the same political fundraiser who told federal authorities he agreed to help Jackson get the Senate seat - bought airline tickets for a restaurant hostess to visit Jackson in Chicago paints Jackson as a sleazy wheeler dealer with friends to get him anything his heart desired.
Here’s what we know for sure: A meeting between Rod Blagojevich and Jackson did take place on Dec. 8, 2008, at which the Senate seat was discussed.
And the next day Blagojevich was arrested by FBI agents for, among other things, trying to sell the Senate seat.
Mess with the bull, get the horn.
*** UPDATE 1 *** Ms. Huidobro is also a model and has served as a “host” for her modeling agency, according to its website.
*** UPDATE 2 *** The Tribune confirms most of the Nayak stuff with their own sources.
*** UPDATE 3 *** Congressman Jackson responds…
“The allegations about fundraising and the Senate seat are not new. I’ve already talked with the authorities about these claims, told them they were false, and no charges have been brought against me. The very idea of raising millions of dollars for a campaign other than my own is preposterous. My interest in the Senate seat was based on years of public service, which I am proud of, not some improper scheme with anyone.
“The reference to a social acquaintance is a private and personal matter between me and my wife that was handled some time ago. I ask that you respect our privacy.
“I know I have disappointed some supporters and for that I am deeply sorry. But I remain committed to serving my constituents and fighting on their behalf.”
Well, he pretty much just confirmed the “social acquaintance” angle. The media should be commencing with the feeding frenzy any moment now.
“Today’s disclosure, one that my family and I have been privately addressing for several months, is a very private, painful and unfortunate situation. Therefore, I would hope that the public will respect our ongoing personal handling and healing from this matter,'’ she said in the statement.
* Sneed: New gig for Rod Blagojevich: Blago — who is desperate to support his family and fund additional lawyers for his upcoming trial — has inked a deal for major bucks to star in a national commercial.
Jesse Jackson Jr is toast politically. To launch a mayoral candidacy in the wake of this Blagojevich stuff is either the height of arrogance or stupidity … not sure which. He should focus on being a good congressman.
“Sources” familiar with an investigation often are not federal agents or prosecutors. Instead, they are one or more defense lawyers who have either represented witnesses who have been interviewed, or had conversations with prosecutors and other defense lawyers about their clients and thereby learned something of the status of the investigation.
- Leave a Light on George - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:02 am:
Thanks to the Tribune jumping the shark on the wire taps we lost our opportunity to have both a sitting governor and senator under indictment at the same time. Wouldn’t that have been special.
I always thought it was silly that the Feds indicted Blago for trying to sell a senate seat, but didn’t indict the other side of the transaction, i.e., the person who presumably tried to buy and presumably offerred a bribe.
That’s part of the Feds’ bungling that I think led to Blago mostly getting off.
If that person on the other side of the alleged transaction was in fact Jesse Jr., then I think not including him in the case reflected the Feds fear of Jesse Jr. and the racial firestorm he’s capable of unleashing.
But if the press attention keeps up I think Patrick Fitzgerald is going to be forced to do his job.
I so want to write something here, but I know Rich will delete even though I heard it from the horse’s mouth. Because I respect Rich, I won’t post it, but boy is it a doosie! Even better than flying in a restaurant hostess.
The Sun-Times story does kind of explain why the Congressman and the Alderwoman each started putting his/her hat in the mayoral ring without talking to each other.
JJJ stood there looking so guilty at his first post-Blagojevich-arrest presser, he was pitiful. We had to cut hism some slack that day and follow the focus on Blagojevich.
Well, JJJ never bothered coming clean. Instead he dared us to do something.
If he is serious about a mayoral run, JJJ is going to have to face some serious questions from someone other then the softballs Don & Roma. This could top the December 2008 deer in the headlights.
–“Sources” familiar with an investigation often are not federal agents or prosecutors.–
But at times they are, Anon. Your theory is possible, but I’m very linear. If someone says bring it on, and it is brung, I make the connection.
Either way, the sources of this story have just taken a hammer to Trips and any higher ambitions he might have. I hope it’s not federal authorities; that would be an abuse of power.
Wordslinger — they can also sometimes be defense lawyers in cases that have been filed, or even defendants themselves, who have had access to discovery materials produced in a prosecution. Just sayin’ it happens sometimes.
I certainly hope that the national advertiser is not a company with which I currently do business, because I will absolutely NOT buy that company’s product. I thought the point of advertising was to attract customers, not drive them away.
I’m no fan of Jr. or the Jacksons, but I just find this story
to be so very sad. it’s bad enough that there is corruption.
now there’s a hostess angle and no one, not the Jackson
family, nor the public in general, needs any more of that.
from the Tiger mess we know that worlds other than politics
often have this additional tawdry feature. Please, very public
figures and private ones alike, please focus on doing your
actual job. it’s a tough world, stop making it rougher
on those close to you and those of us watching. ugh.
NT - in the old days we used to use contraptions called the telephone and the fax machine to send our tips to Rich.
You’re so right about inviting this on himself. But didn’t his bravado start right after his meeting with Rahm. Makes me wonder if maybe chess master Rahm goaded him into making a statement like that. Like maybe Rahm said - you’re not going to run - you’re toast - everyone knows that Fitz has got stuff on you, etc.
Sounds to me that the story came from aggressive reporters plus talkative defense attorneys speaking ‘off the record’. If the US Attorney or the FBI leaked this tawdry information after JJJ’s dare, that would be grossly unprofessional misconduct.
- - -“Sources” familiar with an investigation often are not federal agents or prosecutors. Instead, they are one or more defense lawyers who have either represented witnesses who have been interviewed, or had conversations with prosecutors and other defense lawyers about their clients and thereby learned something of the status of the investigation. —
At this stage of the game, the only ones with access to this type of information (other than the U.S. Attorneys Office) would likely be the attorneys for the brothers Blagojevich. I’m doubting Rob’s lawyers are interested in pulling the tiger’s tail at this point — which leaves only one set of suspects.
Aside from all of that, how is it remotely legal for JJJ to have paid his wife $240,000+ in federal campaign funds under ALIASES– and why has no Chicago paper even sniffed the story?
Jesse Jackson’s FEC reports list payments as being made to J. Donatella & Associates, which [a staffer] described as “Sandi’s sole proprietorship” for her consulting work. The couple’s oldest child is 9-year-old Jessica Donatella Jackson.
From 2003 through mid-2005, the recipient is shown on Jackson’s reports as “Lee Stevens” or “Lee Steven” at the J. Donatella firm. Sandi Jackson’s middle name is Lee. Her maiden name is Stevens.
Agree Siriusly– Even without details, who’s naive enough to think that the meeting with Rahm and JJJ’s “bring it” taunt and the Suntimes article are all completely unrelated?
Responsa-I highly doubt it…Maybe it’s one down a few more to go as one way of Rahm’s clearing the Mayoral candidate field…I never understood why triple J wasn’t called on to testify in Blago trial #1, now I can see the political wisdom in not doing so…
Sneed must not have read Dave Mendell’s book very carefully to miss a reference to an un-named Senator’s Springfield poker game antics and connect the dots.
Is it possible to find Rahm’s fingerprints on the Sun-Times story?
Sneed hears a lot things but she doesn’t listen very well.
the thing about using birth name, man or woman. anyone
is allowed to use whatever name they like as long as there
is no intent to defraud. this story with various names for
a firm and those paid all being one person, Sandy Jackson,
sounds like intent to obfuscate if not something else too.
“The revelations Tuesday involve interviews with the FBI that predate the Blagojevich trial.”
Interview reports that likely were turned over to defendants’ counsel in the Blago trial. Which doesn’t prove who leaked this story. But it does suggest that access to the information was not limited to the federales.
- He said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:26 pm:
Okay. I read the story, and Nayak says Jackson told him to, and Jackson says he didn’t. Isn’t that where we were months ago? And it seems like that “new” allegation from Nayak is used as a hook for a story that’s really about “Congressman has blond friend.” May be tawdry, but if it’s illegal –I’d estimate there are roughly 350 congresscritters who should be facing indictment. Sorry — this one feels like a cheap shot to me.
- He said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:32 pm:
And incidentally — I don’t think it stretches credulity that a fundraiser would make an offer like that without telling his favorite pol first. I can see that someone might think the Congressman would want “plausible deniability”– and if Rod’s answer is no, there’s no loss of face, for the fundraiser or JJJ — at least from the fundraiser’s point of view.
Is it possible that JJJ was the brains behind the operation — of course it is. But are there equally plausible theories? Yup.
introductions are in order here: Hubris, this is trips, trips, this is Hubris.
Since trips had knoweldge o what he was doing why would he in his right mind call out the feds like that! he should have been saying a quiet prayer for the bullet dodged, not lodinging the gun in his own mouth.
Yeah, He said, he said. Nothing at all to see here. That’s why every Democrat running for office in the state is not concerned at all today with JJJ bringing down more party infamy and scrutiny just five weeks before the election.
“Everyone gets everything he wants. I wanted an opportunity to clear the air, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice opportunity, and when it was over, I never wanted another.”
So its time or Sandi to toss trips and pursue her promising political carreer, unimpeded by his baggage.
- He said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:53 pm:
Responsa -
As a supporter of many Democrats running for office, I understand the widespread wailing and gnashing of teeth about JJJ deciding to be noisy about this topic at this time. But I don’t see the news here — really.
Not surprised, this is Illinois, government is always for sale here, but I would like to be
a fly on the wall when these Indian and other businesspersons from other countries get together and talk about what it’s like to do business in Illinois. Must be a lot of snickers, especially since so many prominent Americans, pols and others, are so fond of criticizing India, China, et al.
If Illinois were a country, where would it fall
on the corruption index, I wonder.
I don’t think it is just he said/he said. You have the corroborating testimony of Bedi at Blago’s trial. It’s not like we all didn’t think we knew the truth, but the necessary evidence wasn’t there — seems it is, now.
Congressman Jackson should get used to the idea of being Congressman Jackson. If he gets to the Mayor’s office it will be with his next possible gig as host of “Wild Chicago” on Channel 11. I think he will look good in a pith helmet.
By the way some one more ambitious than me may want to make a video of this debacle to the song “Jesse’s Girl”.
I actually feel sorry for JJJ at the moment. He is in a self produced hell. I dislike him less than I dislike his dad, but I wish this kind of pain on almost no one.
I am guessing this is the stuff behind the feds request that the House hold off on it’s ethics investigation of JJJ. But now that this is out they will have to do something. Contrary to what “He said, he said” believes, if true…..this would be a pretty serious violation of house ethics rules. Tickets for a “social aquaintance” are gifts (and possibly exhibit A in a messy divorce)
- Windy City Mama - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:09 pm:
Didn’t Jesse tell the Feds to bring it on ? So what’s the problem Jesse ? Better watch what you say on the radio.
- lake county democrat - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:16 pm:
Windy City Momma,
To go along with your point, I’m having trouble balancing JJJ’s request to “bring it on” with is latest missive to “respect our privacy”.
Is he bi-polar?
- The End Is Near - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:47 pm:
Trips probably could have kept Ms. Huidobro under the radar if he’d had her flown in and out town via a third airport just south of Chicago.
- he said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:50 pm:
Raising Kane,
Is that a gift to JJJ, or a gift to the woman? I realize we’re in a gray territory here. But if one of my friends sends me a plane ticket to Washington and I have dinner with Senator Burris while I’m there, does he have to report the value of the ticket?
No, but if an officeholder asks you to give a plane ticket to his girlfriend, or his brother-in-law, etc., the officeholder could have a problem if it’s not reported.
I can not believe your choice of a hostess. You are better than that and you need to think about what you are doing to yourself and to others before doing something you may regret.
Well, at least Jesse, Jr., was not “ministering” a president at the time ….
- he said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:59 pm:
I re-read the story. It was “at his request.” Missed that earlier. That would, indeed, be a violation. (Guess this means dinner with Roland is definitely out.)
- he said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:03 pm:
And I talked to that Occam guy. He said the simplest explanation is that someone is lying to the Feds. I was gonna ask him who, but his cell phone went out.
I don’t judge JJJ over his personal business. Truthfully, there’s no evidence that he used public money or broke the law there - I agree it is none of our business.
However, if she was not attractive, we’d all be asking “what was he thinking”? That is not the case here.
I’m SURE if Pat Fitzgerald could have used Jacksons participation in this to convict Blago he would have. Having said that, the allegations do damage Jackson from a public relations perspective. I don’t feel bad for him, but he’s not been convicted of anything. This is just typical political mudslinging.
I am guessing this is a “grassy knoll” thing … Everyone was waiting for Jesse, Jr., to do the “right” thing, accept his lot in congress and be done with it.
The “Bring it on” was too much for too many holding their powder, especially the Rahm crew … but don’t be suprised if there was a “Bridgeport-5th floor” push to “educate” the press about the congressman. The “old masn” hasn’t been a Daley friend too often … so “confirm” some things about the kid(?)
How about it wordslinger, intersting parlor game: who beefed, why, and for waht gain. The taken-aback fundraiser is just too easy to concede … more is afoot.
I was just thinking about this a little more, and it was really dumb of JJJ to basically confirm the story about the hostess being true, because it give a lot more credibility to Nayak and his allegations regarding the senate seat.
==If Ms Jackson would like the media to respect her family’s privacy, she should instruct her husband to refrain from using comments like “Bring it on.”==
Wensicia–just being completely realistic here, possibly “coordinating” family political messages is not at the top of the list of issues being addresssed during the marriage counseling sessions.
Other instances in history when the term “Bring it on” was used to disastrous results:
Abel to Cain
General Custer to Crazy Horse
Titanic Capt Smith to the iceberg
Wile E. Coyote to Roadrunner
Harry and Marv to “Home Alone” Kevin
Jimmy Carter to Ronald Reagan
Sound political judgment for the Jackson’s to make vague acknowledgment of bad facts, raise the ‘personal matter’ shield and pretend nothing is the matter. That said, people like sordid affairs and potential indictments in their TV dramas, not in their real life politicians.
Also, bad political judgment to have used a phrase that is linked to recent disastrous political judgments. I can hear Axelrod now, “‘Bring it On’? You might as well say ‘national malaise’”!
- downstater - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 10:55 am:
Jesse Jackson Jr is toast politically. To launch a mayoral candidacy in the wake of this Blagojevich stuff is either the height of arrogance or stupidity … not sure which. He should focus on being a good congressman.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 10:55 am:
–…sources said the fund-raiser has told federal authorities.–
Trips, guess who those “sources” are? Memo to self: Never say “bring it on” to the federales in the press.
- Reggie P - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 10:56 am:
JJJ “nothing but sunshine hanging over me”
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 10:58 am:
“Sources” familiar with an investigation often are not federal agents or prosecutors. Instead, they are one or more defense lawyers who have either represented witnesses who have been interviewed, or had conversations with prosecutors and other defense lawyers about their clients and thereby learned something of the status of the investigation.
- Leave a Light on George - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:02 am:
Thanks to the Tribune jumping the shark on the wire taps we lost our opportunity to have both a sitting governor and senator under indictment at the same time. Wouldn’t that have been special.
- just sayin' - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:02 am:
I always thought it was silly that the Feds indicted Blago for trying to sell a senate seat, but didn’t indict the other side of the transaction, i.e., the person who presumably tried to buy and presumably offerred a bribe.
That’s part of the Feds’ bungling that I think led to Blago mostly getting off.
If that person on the other side of the alleged transaction was in fact Jesse Jr., then I think not including him in the case reflected the Feds fear of Jesse Jr. and the racial firestorm he’s capable of unleashing.
But if the press attention keeps up I think Patrick Fitzgerald is going to be forced to do his job.
- Niles Township - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:02 am:
I so want to write something here, but I know Rich will delete even though I heard it from the horse’s mouth. Because I respect Rich, I won’t post it, but boy is it a doosie! Even better than flying in a restaurant hostess.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:04 am:
NT, just e-mail it to me.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:05 am:
The Sun-Times story does kind of explain why the Congressman and the Alderwoman each started putting his/her hat in the mayoral ring without talking to each other.
- VanillaMan - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:09 am:
JJJ stood there looking so guilty at his first post-Blagojevich-arrest presser, he was pitiful. We had to cut hism some slack that day and follow the focus on Blagojevich.
Well, JJJ never bothered coming clean. Instead he dared us to do something.
So we are.
- Don't Worry, Be Happy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:10 am:
Brings back memories of Gary Hart.
“Follow me around. I don’t care. I’m serious. If anybody wants to put a tail on me, go ahead. They’ll be very bored.”
- Secret Square - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:14 am:
So, any guesses what product Blago will be hawking? (Hair related?) Whatever it is, I sure ain’t buying it.
- Levois - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:15 am:
He should focus on being a good congressman.
Congressman for life because he’s not likely going anywhere else. Unless Isaac Hayes can pull out a victory this year.
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:15 am:
If he is serious about a mayoral run, JJJ is going to have to face some serious questions from someone other then the softballs Don & Roma. This could top the December 2008 deer in the headlights.
- Bakersfield - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:16 am:
Flying in a hostess from DC??? Didn’t some golfer recently get into trouble for stuff like this?
- Reo Symes, M.D. - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:17 am:
“Social acquaintance” — love it! Gossip writers of the old days (eg., Kup) used the phrase “great good friend” to describe similar circumstances.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:17 am:
–“Sources” familiar with an investigation often are not federal agents or prosecutors.–
But at times they are, Anon. Your theory is possible, but I’m very linear. If someone says bring it on, and it is brung, I make the connection.
Either way, the sources of this story have just taken a hammer to Trips and any higher ambitions he might have. I hope it’s not federal authorities; that would be an abuse of power.
- Aldyth - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:19 am:
JJJ is old enough to remember Gary Hart, but apparently did not bother to learn from his fail.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:19 am:
Wordslinger — they can also sometimes be defense lawyers in cases that have been filed, or even defendants themselves, who have had access to discovery materials produced in a prosecution. Just sayin’ it happens sometimes.
- cover - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:20 am:
I certainly hope that the national advertiser is not a company with which I currently do business, because I will absolutely NOT buy that company’s product. I thought the point of advertising was to attract customers, not drive them away.
- South of I-80 - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:27 am:
Wasn’t it last week on WGN radio that JJJ stated that he and Emanuel were both mentioned in Blago’s case, but only Rahm was on tape? Oops!!
- Amalia - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:27 am:
I’m no fan of Jr. or the Jacksons, but I just find this story
to be so very sad. it’s bad enough that there is corruption.
now there’s a hostess angle and no one, not the Jackson
family, nor the public in general, needs any more of that.
from the Tiger mess we know that worlds other than politics
often have this additional tawdry feature. Please, very public
figures and private ones alike, please focus on doing your
actual job. it’s a tough world, stop making it rougher
on those close to you and those of us watching. ugh.
- Respona - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:30 am:
Looks like a mayoral run is not the only thing that may be being discussed in the Jackson household.
- Siriusly - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:32 am:
NT - in the old days we used to use contraptions called the telephone and the fax machine to send our tips to Rich.
You’re so right about inviting this on himself. But didn’t his bravado start right after his meeting with Rahm. Makes me wonder if maybe chess master Rahm goaded him into making a statement like that. Like maybe Rahm said - you’re not going to run - you’re toast - everyone knows that Fitz has got stuff on you, etc.
- Vote Quimby! - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:38 am:
He gone.
- Xgman - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:40 am:
Sounds to me that the story came from aggressive reporters plus talkative defense attorneys speaking ‘off the record’. If the US Attorney or the FBI leaked this tawdry information after JJJ’s dare, that would be grossly unprofessional misconduct.
- Anon - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:40 am:
- - -“Sources” familiar with an investigation often are not federal agents or prosecutors. Instead, they are one or more defense lawyers who have either represented witnesses who have been interviewed, or had conversations with prosecutors and other defense lawyers about their clients and thereby learned something of the status of the investigation. —
At this stage of the game, the only ones with access to this type of information (other than the U.S. Attorneys Office) would likely be the attorneys for the brothers Blagojevich. I’m doubting Rob’s lawyers are interested in pulling the tiger’s tail at this point — which leaves only one set of suspects.
Aside from all of that, how is it remotely legal for JJJ to have paid his wife $240,000+ in federal campaign funds under ALIASES– and why has no Chicago paper even sniffed the story?
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=a7Hk3ZEF4QyM
Jesse Jackson’s FEC reports list payments as being made to J. Donatella & Associates, which [a staffer] described as “Sandi’s sole proprietorship” for her consulting work. The couple’s oldest child is 9-year-old Jessica Donatella Jackson.
From 2003 through mid-2005, the recipient is shown on Jackson’s reports as “Lee Stevens” or “Lee Steven” at the J. Donatella firm. Sandi Jackson’s middle name is Lee. Her maiden name is Stevens.
- Respona - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:41 am:
Agree Siriusly– Even without details, who’s naive enough to think that the meeting with Rahm and JJJ’s “bring it” taunt and the Suntimes article are all completely unrelated?
- Loop Lady - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:53 am:
Responsa-I highly doubt it…Maybe it’s one down a few more to go as one way of Rahm’s clearing the Mayoral candidate field…I never understood why triple J wasn’t called on to testify in Blago trial #1, now I can see the political wisdom in not doing so…
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:54 am:
Random thoughts:
Rod Isuzu sounds like a winning ad campaign.
Sneed must not have read Dave Mendell’s book very carefully to miss a reference to an un-named Senator’s Springfield poker game antics and connect the dots.
Is it possible to find Rahm’s fingerprints on the Sun-Times story?
Sneed hears a lot things but she doesn’t listen very well.
- Amalia - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:56 am:
the thing about using birth name, man or woman. anyone
is allowed to use whatever name they like as long as there
is no intent to defraud. this story with various names for
a firm and those paid all being one person, Sandy Jackson,
sounds like intent to obfuscate if not something else too.
- Wumpus - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:05 pm:
Don’t challnege the feds to a gunfight when you are shooting blanks and they have unlimitted ammo.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:14 pm:
According to the Tribune’s report:
“The revelations Tuesday involve interviews with the FBI that predate the Blagojevich trial.”
Interview reports that likely were turned over to defendants’ counsel in the Blago trial. Which doesn’t prove who leaked this story. But it does suggest that access to the information was not limited to the federales.
- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:15 pm:
Thanks for the photo in the update Rich. Yowza!
- anon - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:17 pm:
I cant believe JJJ’s stupidity and arrogance. If this doesnt kill his mayoral hopes, i dont know what will. fool.
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:22 pm:
Rod, I know you are laughing at this…. Go ahead…
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:24 pm:
For some reason, Rich, I was reminded of this post:
https://capitolfax.com/2010/06/11/blagojevich-is-now-drowning-alone/
- He said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:26 pm:
Okay. I read the story, and Nayak says Jackson told him to, and Jackson says he didn’t. Isn’t that where we were months ago? And it seems like that “new” allegation from Nayak is used as a hook for a story that’s really about “Congressman has blond friend.” May be tawdry, but if it’s illegal –I’d estimate there are roughly 350 congresscritters who should be facing indictment. Sorry — this one feels like a cheap shot to me.
- He said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:32 pm:
And incidentally — I don’t think it stretches credulity that a fundraiser would make an offer like that without telling his favorite pol first. I can see that someone might think the Congressman would want “plausible deniability”– and if Rod’s answer is no, there’s no loss of face, for the fundraiser or JJJ — at least from the fundraiser’s point of view.
Is it possible that JJJ was the brains behind the operation — of course it is. But are there equally plausible theories? Yup.
- Fred - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:33 pm:
Couldn’t he find a hostess in the Chicago area? Perkins? IHOP?
- Ghost - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:34 pm:
introductions are in order here: Hubris, this is trips, trips, this is Hubris.
Since trips had knoweldge o what he was doing why would he in his right mind call out the feds like that! he should have been saying a quiet prayer for the bullet dodged, not lodinging the gun in his own mouth.
- Responsa - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:34 pm:
Yeah, He said, he said. Nothing at all to see here. That’s why every Democrat running for office in the state is not concerned at all today with JJJ bringing down more party infamy and scrutiny just five weeks before the election.
- MrJM - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:34 pm:
“Everyone gets everything he wants. I wanted an opportunity to clear the air, and for my sins, they gave me one. Brought it up to me like room service. It was a real choice opportunity, and when it was over, I never wanted another.”
– MrJM
- Ghost - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:52 pm:
So its time or Sandi to toss trips and pursue her promising political carreer, unimpeded by his baggage.
- He said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:53 pm:
Responsa -
As a supporter of many Democrats running for office, I understand the widespread wailing and gnashing of teeth about JJJ deciding to be noisy about this topic at this time. But I don’t see the news here — really.
- cassandra - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:54 pm:
Not surprised, this is Illinois, government is always for sale here, but I would like to be
a fly on the wall when these Indian and other businesspersons from other countries get together and talk about what it’s like to do business in Illinois. Must be a lot of snickers, especially since so many prominent Americans, pols and others, are so fond of criticizing India, China, et al.
If Illinois were a country, where would it fall
on the corruption index, I wonder.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:56 pm:
Did anyone notice the Trib and Suntimes have identical headlines along with similar photos?
- D.P. Gumby - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:56 pm:
Gary Hart, hell. What about JJ Sr.? Doesn’t JJJ have a half-sibling from Daddy and his social acquaintance? Hubris, indeed.
- Secret Square - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:02 pm:
“If Illinois were a country, where would it fall on the corruption index”
Possible QOTD?
- just sayin' - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:02 pm:
Jesse’s done. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.
And he’s not going to have a lot of his black supporters behind him when they get a load of that “hostess.”
- Niles Township - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:03 pm:
See Rich, I told you.
- Plutocrat03 - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:05 pm:
Could Blago’s product endorsement be “Bad Idea Jeans” ala the old SNL skit?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:08 pm:
Jesse using the word “handled” in the same sentence with “social acquaintance” was, uh, not a felicitous choice of words.
- just sayin' - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:11 pm:
Anyone else reminded of Eliot Spitzer?
This sounds like Rahm Emanuel clearing the field. Too bad for Jesse he makes it so easy.
- The End Is Near - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:13 pm:
And to think I was so moved by all those posters and billboards of Trips vouching for Alexi just a few years ago . . . .
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:18 pm:
Niles Township, can you share with us now?
- roscoetom - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:18 pm:
No wonder the Alderwoman flies so often to Washington using her campaign funds. Looks like he read his father’s “play” book.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:19 pm:
LP, no.
- Phineas J. Whoopee - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:32 pm:
I wonder if Sr. is over at the house providing spiritual counseling to the family?
- OneMan - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:34 pm:
Hope he at least got a partial plate on that bus that hit him today.
- Fed up - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:34 pm:
Overall it was a good day for triple j though.
- justsickofit - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:35 pm:
I don’t think it is just he said/he said. You have the corroborating testimony of Bedi at Blago’s trial. It’s not like we all didn’t think we knew the truth, but the necessary evidence wasn’t there — seems it is, now.
- IrishPirate - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:43 pm:
Congressman Jackson should get used to the idea of being Congressman Jackson. If he gets to the Mayor’s office it will be with his next possible gig as host of “Wild Chicago” on Channel 11. I think he will look good in a pith helmet.
By the way some one more ambitious than me may want to make a video of this debacle to the song “Jesse’s Girl”.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk9GjbbueHo
I actually feel sorry for JJJ at the moment. He is in a self produced hell. I dislike him less than I dislike his dad, but I wish this kind of pain on almost no one.
- dupage dan - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:45 pm:
Right next to the definition of chutzpah is a picture of JJJ. As Bugs Bunny would say, “what a maroon, what an ultra-maroon”.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:45 pm:
OneMan - It could have been a bus. Or he could have been smacked by the bottom of a lifeboat.
- Todd - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:59 pm:
hmmm, I wonder if Ms jackson’s political career timline looks interestingly against that of those flights and revelations.
could she have decided to spread her own wings for her own career with his backing and $$$ as a condition on not making a big messy public divorce?
- Aldyth - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:06 pm:
Dear JJJ. Bend over and kiss your mayoral aspirations goodbye. The skeletons are getting pretty darn restless in the closet you stuffed them into.
- Raising Kane - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:08 pm:
I am guessing this is the stuff behind the feds request that the House hold off on it’s ethics investigation of JJJ. But now that this is out they will have to do something. Contrary to what “He said, he said” believes, if true…..this would be a pretty serious violation of house ethics rules. Tickets for a “social aquaintance” are gifts (and possibly exhibit A in a messy divorce)
- Windy City Mama - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:09 pm:
Didn’t Jesse tell the Feds to bring it on ? So what’s the problem Jesse ? Better watch what you say on the radio.
- lake county democrat - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:16 pm:
But can I find a woman like that?
- Downstater - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:24 pm:
Windy City Momma,
To go along with your point, I’m having trouble balancing JJJ’s request to “bring it on” with is latest missive to “respect our privacy”.
Is he bi-polar?
- Corduroy Bob - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:37 pm:
Bring it on — but with restraint.
- The End Is Near - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:47 pm:
Trips probably could have kept Ms. Huidobro under the radar if he’d had her flown in and out town via a third airport just south of Chicago.
- he said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:50 pm:
Raising Kane,
Is that a gift to JJJ, or a gift to the woman? I realize we’re in a gray territory here. But if one of my friends sends me a plane ticket to Washington and I have dinner with Senator Burris while I’m there, does he have to report the value of the ticket?
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:53 pm:
No, but if an officeholder asks you to give a plane ticket to his girlfriend, or his brother-in-law, etc., the officeholder could have a problem if it’s not reported.
- Ugh - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:54 pm:
He said, he said:
You need to go knock on Occam’s door and ask if you can borrow his razor.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:55 pm:
Dear Jesse, Jr.,
I can not believe your choice of a hostess. You are better than that and you need to think about what you are doing to yourself and to others before doing something you may regret.
Sincerely,
Tiger Woods
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:57 pm:
Well, at least Jesse, Jr., was not “ministering” a president at the time ….
- he said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:59 pm:
I re-read the story. It was “at his request.” Missed that earlier. That would, indeed, be a violation. (Guess this means dinner with Roland is definitely out.)
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:59 pm:
I have some advice ….
“Leave the Hostess, take the cannoli”
Words to live by …
- he said, he said - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:03 pm:
And I talked to that Occam guy. He said the simplest explanation is that someone is lying to the Feds. I was gonna ask him who, but his cell phone went out.
- regular democrat - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:08 pm:
One by one they will drop and the last man standing will be…….Rahmbo.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:09 pm:
Question:
Who is more nervous right now?
Jesse Jr., losing everything, including his seat …
Or
(If there even IS one …)
The mope that was put up to RUN against Jesse, Jr. and the possibility of going to congress?
- Responsa - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:21 pm:
Anybody in the know got any news/insight on how this is all playing out with the rank and file so far in JJJ’s district?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:24 pm:
Wonder if that “flu” Jesse, Jr., had when he missed handing out chickens will last … oh, about 5 plus weeks?
- wndycty - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:27 pm:
@responsa I live the 2nd district, it won’t hurt him now but I expect 2012 to be interesting.
If David Vitter, John Ensign, etc. aren’t impacted why would Jackson?
- Siriusly - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:31 pm:
I don’t judge JJJ over his personal business. Truthfully, there’s no evidence that he used public money or broke the law there - I agree it is none of our business.
However, if she was not attractive, we’d all be asking “what was he thinking”? That is not the case here.
- Progress68 - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:39 pm:
I’m SURE if Pat Fitzgerald could have used Jacksons participation in this to convict Blago he would have. Having said that, the allegations do damage Jackson from a public relations perspective. I don’t feel bad for him, but he’s not been convicted of anything. This is just typical political mudslinging.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:46 pm:
Progress, who’s slinging the mud, that’s the question.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:49 pm:
I wonder if the hostess would be around if he hadn’t shed the 60 pounds with the lap band surgery?
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:53 pm:
I am guessing this is a “grassy knoll” thing … Everyone was waiting for Jesse, Jr., to do the “right” thing, accept his lot in congress and be done with it.
The “Bring it on” was too much for too many holding their powder, especially the Rahm crew … but don’t be suprised if there was a “Bridgeport-5th floor” push to “educate” the press about the congressman. The “old masn” hasn’t been a Daley friend too often … so “confirm” some things about the kid(?)
How about it wordslinger, intersting parlor game: who beefed, why, and for waht gain. The taken-aback fundraiser is just too easy to concede … more is afoot.
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:54 pm:
I was just thinking about this a little more, and it was really dumb of JJJ to basically confirm the story about the hostess being true, because it give a lot more credibility to Nayak and his allegations regarding the senate seat.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:57 pm:
Lincoln Parker,
Maybe the thought is, “I admitted the ‘hostess’ thing, so why would I lie about the fundraising”
Getting ahead of the story by admitting a fault(?)
- Lincoln Parker - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:04 pm:
When has that strategy ever worked? It’s like saying I robbed the guy but didn’t kill him.
- paddyrollingstone - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:07 pm:
lake county democrat - I just got the Rick Springfield reference. Kudos.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:07 pm:
Well, Jesse had to open his big mouth and taunt the Feds, just to get some free publicity. Guess he’s paying for it now. Like father, like son.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:07 pm:
Never said it was good/sound/rational … or even smart … but it could still be a train of thought
- Progress68 - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:09 pm:
I find the like father like son references to be rather .. simple..
Infidelity is normal.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:22 pm:
At least this will help Sandi Jackson with the sympathy vote . . .
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:27 pm:
“Infidelity is normal.”
Well, that makes it okay then. Thanks, Jesse (Jr or Sr).
- envelop - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:45 pm:
Lord make me chaste. But not yet.
St Augustine
- Levois - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 5:10 pm:
“Trips probably could have kept Ms. Huidobro under the radar if he’d had her flown in and out town via a third airport just south of Chicago.”
LOL! That only meant he should’ve been working harding on getting that thing built!
- Say WHAT? - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 5:39 pm:
I am sad. Let down, and very sad.
- PPHS - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 5:50 pm:
His dad has survived many scrapes that I wish would have “taken him down.” Jesse SR. just keeps hanging around.
Many, many people don’t care about someone’s private life. I can quote many examples, including one guy that was just on Letterman, last night.
If JJJ had been arrested the same morning as the gov, then there would have been smoke, but now, it is just a Jackson doing what a Jackson does.
- Wensicia - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 6:15 pm:
If Ms Jackson would like the media to respect her family’s privacy, she should instruct her husband to refrain from using comments like “Bring it on.”
- Vote Quimby! - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 6:40 pm:
Yeah….good luck with that “respecting our privacy” request.
- Anon3 - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 6:49 pm:
lcd- I cant get that song out of my head!
- Park - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 6:51 pm:
Understand Sandi, want to get it all behind you. Suggest you tell your husband to come clean. The truth will set you free.
- Responsa - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 7:30 pm:
==If Ms Jackson would like the media to respect her family’s privacy, she should instruct her husband to refrain from using comments like “Bring it on.”==
Wensicia–just being completely realistic here, possibly “coordinating” family political messages is not at the top of the list of issues being addresssed during the marriage counseling sessions.
- hisgirlfriday - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 9:06 pm:
And to think it was just a few years ago that the Sun-Times was beating the drum pressuring Blago to appoint JJJ to the Senate seat. Wow.
I bet Jesse could use a hug today.
- KGB - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 9:23 pm:
Other instances in history when the term “Bring it on” was used to disastrous results:
Abel to Cain
General Custer to Crazy Horse
Titanic Capt Smith to the iceberg
Wile E. Coyote to Roadrunner
Harry and Marv to “Home Alone” Kevin
Jimmy Carter to Ronald Reagan
- Quizzical - Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:02 pm:
Sound political judgment for the Jackson’s to make vague acknowledgment of bad facts, raise the ‘personal matter’ shield and pretend nothing is the matter. That said, people like sordid affairs and potential indictments in their TV dramas, not in their real life politicians.
Also, bad political judgment to have used a phrase that is linked to recent disastrous political judgments. I can hear Axelrod now, “‘Bring it On’? You might as well say ‘national malaise’”!