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* Uh-oh…
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.
Methinks somebody just brought it on.
* And then there’s this seemingly tawdry angle…
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.
* The Southtown editorializes…
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.
* Phil Kadner gets to what’s really important here…
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.
…Adding… Just for fun…
…Adding More… From a commenter…
I’m having trouble balancing JJJ’s request to “bring it on” with his latest missive to “respect our privacy.”
*** UPDATE 4 *** Sandi Jackson…
“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.
* Related…
* No-Show Jackson to Make Mayoral Announcement
* Sandi Jackson: Jesse’s More Likely to Run
* Sandi Jackson Avoids Blagojevich Questions
* Ald. Sandi Jackson: Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. and I are Talking About Running for Mayor of Chicago
* 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.
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 10:50 am
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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.
Comment by downstater 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.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 10:55 am
JJJ “nothing but sunshine hanging over me”
Comment by Reggie P Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 10:56 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.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 10:58 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.
Comment by Leave a Light on George 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.
Comment by just sayin' 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.
Comment by Niles Township Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:02 am
NT, just e-mail it to me.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:04 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.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:05 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.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:09 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.”
Comment by Don't Worry, Be Happy Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:10 am
So, any guesses what product Blago will be hawking? (Hair related?) Whatever it is, I sure ain’t buying it.
Comment by Secret Square Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:14 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.
Comment by Levois 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.
Comment by Lincoln Parker Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:15 am
Flying in a hostess from DC??? Didn’t some golfer recently get into trouble for stuff like this?
Comment by Bakersfield Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:16 am
“Social acquaintance” — love it! Gossip writers of the old days (eg., Kup) used the phrase “great good friend” to describe similar circumstances.
Comment by Reo Symes, M.D. 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.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:17 am
JJJ is old enough to remember Gary Hart, but apparently did not bother to learn from his fail.
Comment by Aldyth 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.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:19 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.
Comment by cover Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:20 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!!
Comment by South of I-80 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.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:27 am
Looks like a mayoral run is not the only thing that may be being discussed in the Jackson household.
Comment by Respona Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:30 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.
Comment by Siriusly Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:32 am
He gone.
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:38 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.
Comment by Xgman 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.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:40 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?
Comment by Respona Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:41 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…
Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:53 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.
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:54 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.
Comment by Amalia Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:56 am
Don’t challnege the feds to a gunfight when you are shooting blanks and they have unlimitted ammo.
Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:05 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.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:14 pm
Thanks for the photo in the update Rich. Yowza!
Comment by 47th Ward Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:15 pm
I cant believe JJJ’s stupidity and arrogance. If this doesnt kill his mayoral hopes, i dont know what will. fool.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:17 pm
Rod, I know you are laughing at this…. Go ahead…
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:22 pm
For some reason, Rich, I was reminded of this post:
https://capitolfax.com/2010/06/11/blagojevich-is-now-drowning-alone/
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:24 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.
Comment by He said, he said Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:26 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.
Comment by He said, he said Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:32 pm
Couldn’t he find a hostess in the Chicago area? Perkins? IHOP?
Comment by Fred Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:33 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.
Comment by Ghost 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.
Comment by Responsa 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
Comment by MrJM Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:34 pm
So its time or Sandi to toss trips and pursue her promising political carreer, unimpeded by his baggage.
Comment by Ghost Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:52 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.
Comment by He said, he said Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:53 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.
Comment by cassandra Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:54 pm
Did anyone notice the Trib and Suntimes have identical headlines along with similar photos?
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee 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.
Comment by D.P. Gumby Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 12:56 pm
“If Illinois were a country, where would it fall on the corruption index”
Possible QOTD?
Comment by Secret Square 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.”
Comment by just sayin' Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:02 pm
See Rich, I told you.
Comment by Niles Township Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:03 pm
Could Blago’s product endorsement be “Bad Idea Jeans” ala the old SNL skit?
Comment by Plutocrat03 Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:05 pm
Jesse using the word “handled” in the same sentence with “social acquaintance” was, uh, not a felicitous choice of words.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:08 pm
Anyone else reminded of Eliot Spitzer?
This sounds like Rahm Emanuel clearing the field. Too bad for Jesse he makes it so easy.
Comment by just sayin' Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:11 pm
And to think I was so moved by all those posters and billboards of Trips vouching for Alexi just a few years ago . . . .
Comment by The End Is Near Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:13 pm
Niles Township, can you share with us now?
Comment by Lincoln Parker 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.
Comment by roscoetom Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:18 pm
LP, no.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:19 pm
I wonder if Sr. is over at the house providing spiritual counseling to the family?
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:32 pm
Hope he at least got a partial plate on that bus that hit him today.
Comment by OneMan Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:34 pm
Overall it was a good day for triple j though.
Comment by Fed up Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:34 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.
Comment by justsickofit Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:35 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.
Comment by IrishPirate Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:43 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”.
Comment by dupage dan 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.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:45 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?
Comment by Todd Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 1:59 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.
Comment by Aldyth Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:06 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)
Comment by Raising Kane Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:08 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.
Comment by Windy City Mama Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:09 pm
But can I find a woman like that?
Comment by 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?
Comment by Downstater Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:24 pm
Bring it on — but with restraint.
Comment by Corduroy Bob Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:37 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.
Comment by The End Is Near Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:47 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?
Comment by he said, he said Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:50 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.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:53 pm
He said, he said:
You need to go knock on Occam’s door and ask if you can borrow his razor.
Comment by Ugh Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:54 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
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:55 pm
Well, at least Jesse, Jr., was not “ministering” a president at the time ….
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:57 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.)
Comment by he said, he said Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:59 pm
I have some advice ….
“Leave the Hostess, take the cannoli”
Words to live by …
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 2:59 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.
Comment by he said, he said Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:03 pm
One by one they will drop and the last man standing will be…….Rahmbo.
Comment by regular democrat Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:08 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?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:09 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?
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:21 pm
Wonder if that “flu” Jesse, Jr., had when he missed handing out chickens will last … oh, about 5 plus weeks?
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:24 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?
Comment by wndycty Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:27 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.
Comment by Siriusly Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:31 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.
Comment by Progress68 Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:39 pm
Progress, who’s slinging the mud, that’s the question.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:46 pm
I wonder if the hostess would be around if he hadn’t shed the 60 pounds with the lap band surgery?
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:49 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.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:53 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.
Comment by Lincoln Parker Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:54 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(?)
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 3:57 pm
When has that strategy ever worked? It’s like saying I robbed the guy but didn’t kill him.
Comment by Lincoln Parker Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:04 pm
lake county democrat - I just got the Rick Springfield reference. Kudos.
Comment by paddyrollingstone 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.
Comment by Wensicia 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
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:07 pm
I find the like father like son references to be rather .. simple..
Infidelity is normal.
Comment by Progress68 Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:09 pm
At least this will help Sandi Jackson with the sympathy vote . . .
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:22 pm
“Infidelity is normal.”
Well, that makes it okay then. Thanks, Jesse (Jr or Sr).
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:27 pm
Lord make me chaste. But not yet.
St Augustine
Comment by envelop Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 4:45 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!
Comment by Levois Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 5:10 pm
I am sad. Let down, and very sad.
Comment by Say WHAT? Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 5:39 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.
Comment by PPHS Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 5:50 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.”
Comment by Wensicia Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 6:15 pm
Yeah….good luck with that “respecting our privacy” request.
Comment by Vote Quimby! Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 6:40 pm
lcd- I cant get that song out of my head!
Comment by Anon3 Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 6:49 pm
Understand Sandi, want to get it all behind you. Suggest you tell your husband to come clean. The truth will set you free.
Comment by Park Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 6:51 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.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 7:30 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.
Comment by hisgirlfriday Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 9:06 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
Comment by KGB Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 9:23 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’”!
Comment by Quizzical Tuesday, Sep 21, 10 @ 11:02 pm