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.
