Saying he did not initiate or authorize anyone at anytime to promise anything to Governor Blagojevich on his behalf, Rep.Jesse Jackson Jr. today strongly denied any improperassociation with the arrested governor.In a news conference held Wednesday afternoon, Jacksonsaid he was "shocked and saddened" to learn about GovernorBlagojevich'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 statementbut did make a personal point at the end of his remarks. The text ofRep. Jackson's prepared remarks is below. STATEMENT OF CONGRESSMAN JESSE L. JACKSON, JR. ABOUT THE ARREST OF GOVERNOR BLAGOJEVICHWednesday, December 10, 2008 4:15 p.m. E.S.T.I was shocked and saddened to learn that IllinoisGovernor Rod Blagojevich was arrested yesterday by federal lawenforcement officials.   The details of the corruption chargeswere staggering and stunning.  If these allegations are proved true,I'm appalled by the pay-to-play schemes hatched at the highest levelsof Illinois state government.   Ithink that I can speak for all Illinois residents when I expressoutrage at the thought that Illinois' now-vacant senate seat may havebeen put up for sale, offered to the highest bidder.   Sadly,yesterday's criminal complaint casts another dark cloud over a statealready beleaguered by corruption and scandal. Clearly, the people ofIllinois deserve better. They deserve to have their trust andconfidence in government restored.   In light of yesterday'scriminal indictment, I believe that the Governor -- in the bestinterest of our state -- should resign and forfeit his authority tomake the senate appointment. The fact is: anyone appointed by theGovernor at this point would be too severely tainted to serve the stateeffectively and without suspicion in the U.S. Senate.   Meanwhile, the Governor's fate is in the hands of the justice system.  We must allow the process to run its course.   As it does, I wan...