Jackson responds to Blagojevich controversy (Video)
Saying he did not initiate or authorize anyone at any
time to promise anything to Governor Blagojevich on his behalf, Rep.
Jesse Jackson Jr. today strongly denied any improper
association with the arrested governor.
In a news conference held Wednesday afternoon, Jackson
said he was "shocked and saddened" to learn about Governor
Blagojevich's arrest.
Jackson said he rejects and denounces pay-to-play politics and has "no involvement whatsoever in any wrongdoing."
Jackson took no questions after reading his statement
but did make a personal point at the end of his remarks. The text of
Rep. Jackson's prepared remarks is below.
STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN JESSE L. JACKSON, JR. ABOUT THE ARREST OF GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICH
Wednesday, December 10, 2008 4:15 p.m. E.S.T.
I was shocked and saddened to learn that Illinois
Governor Rod Blagojevich was arrested yesterday by federal law
enforcement officials. The details of the corruption charges
were staggering and stunning. If these allegations are proved true,
I'm appalled by the pay-to-play schemes hatched at the highest levels
of Illinois state government. I
think that I can speak for all Illinois residents when I express
outrage at the thought that Illinois' now-vacant senate seat may have
been put up for sale, offered to the highest bidder. Sadly,
yesterday's criminal complaint casts another dark cloud over a state
already beleaguered by corruption and scandal. Clearly, the people of
Illinois deserve better. They deserve to have their trust and
confidence in government restored. In light of yesterday's
criminal indictment, I believe that the Governor -- in the best
interest of our state -- should resign and forfeit his authority to
make the senate appointment. The fact is: anyone appointed by the
Governor at this point would be too severely tainted to serve the state
effectively and without suspicion in the U.S. Senate. Meanwhile, the Governor's fate is in the hands of the justice system. We must allo