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WASHINGTON (ABC NEWS) -- Attorneys for the Justice Department and Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. are in talks about a possible deal regarding allegations of campaign finance violations, according to sources familiar with the investigation. Negotiations have been under way for some time.
It is unclear whether the talks will result in a plea agreement, but sources say the talks could come to some conclusion soon.
Part of the investigation's focus is on whether Jackson improperly used campaign funds for personal purchases, including furnishings for his Washington, D.C., home. Investigators are also looking at allegations that Jackson bought a female friend a $40,000 Rolex watch. The investigation is being run by the FBI's Washington Field Office.
But, knowing as much as they did, those who re-elected the MIA congressman are crazy, mindless voters who are taking orders from downtown. Those were some of the reactions from Jacksons just vanquished rivals as they took in the surprise news that the freshly re-elected South Shore Democrat is in plea negotiations for alleged misuse of his campaign funds. The surprise development also raises the possibility, should Jackson step down or be forced out, of a costly special election straddling at least three counties right after a general election was just held. Word of the plea talks set off another flurry of interest in the 2nd Congressional District seat. The district includes some of the most economically devastated portions of the city but ostensibly has had no representation since Jackson went on leave in June.
Marcus Lewis, who ran as an independent Tuesday, voiced his frustration with voters, who gave Jackson 63 percent of the vote. Were dealing with crazy, mindless voters who are taking orders from downtown. The 181,000 that voted for Jesse in spite of knowing that the man is up on charges, knowing that he cheated on his wife, he said. Knowing that he has a 244-page ethics investigation. Theyre crazy! Jackson has not been charged with any crime. But one day after he was re-elected Tuesday in a commanding win, Chicago Sun-Times columnist Michael Sneed revealed that Jackson is in plea negotiations with federal authorities. The story was first reported on the Sun-Times Web site late Wednesday.
Sneed reported that not only is Jackson under investigation for allegedly using campaign funds to decorate his Washington home, but investigators are also trying to determine whether he used campaign funds to buy a $40,000 Rolex watch as a gift for a female friend. This needs to be destroyed. This machine needs to be destroyed forthwith, Lewis said. Theyre playing us like were silly. I know people who are suffering in the district. We needed to get in there. Its a machine that is like a poisonous cobra. A longtime Jackson critic, Anthony W. Williams, who ran as a write-in candidate, said the Jackson political dynasty manipulated voters. The voters of the 2nd District have been cheated once again, said Williams. It is important that we call for a special election.
The Jackson saga has a sense of deja vu. If the South Shore Democrat does pleads guilty, he will be the second congressman in a row from the South Side and south suburban district to be convicted of a crime. He is already the third consecutive 2nd Congressional District representative to be embroiled in a sex scandal. If Jackson were to step down, by law, a special election would have to be held to fill the vacancy. That means that taxpayers would have to foot the bill for a special election. Chatter of a replacement has already run rampant.
Source
If he did any of the things he is charged with it only raises
his status with his peeps.
Gives him street cred.
In a report Tuesday, the Journal said prosecutors are investigating whether Sandi Jackson was complicit in the alleged use of campaign money to redecorate the familys Washington, D.C., home. Prosecutors have not decided whether they will press criminal charges against Sandi Jackson, and sources in the report suggested that federal lawyers are using the threat of charges to pressure Jesse Jackson to accept a plea deal.
Reports last weekend said Jackson had been negotiating a plea deal over the probe that would require him to resign from Congress and could include serving jail time. News of the expanded probe comes as the lawmaker faces pressure from Chicago Mayor and former White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel to discuss the matter with his constituents and assure voters he can fulfill his duties during the next congressional session.
With the election over, there are big issues coming up in the lame-duck session, Emanuel said Monday, according to a report from NBC Chicago. I think Congressman Jackson, it's incumbent upon him to have a conversation with his constituents about his intentions. Jackson has been missing from Congress since June, when he left to receive treatment for bipolar disorder. The Illinois lawmaker returned to Washington for a short time in October before being readmitted to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
Jacksons plea deal would reportedly allow him to step down from office citing health reasons, but would force him to repay the campaign money allegedly used for personal reasons. Jackson did not campaign for his seat this election, but easily won reelection last Tuesday in his heavily Democratic district, by 63 to 23 percent.
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With the election over, there are big issues coming up in the lame-duck session, Emanuel said, according to NBC Chicago. I think Congressman Jackson, its incumbent upon him to have a conversation with his constituents about his intentions.
Jackson is discussing a plea deal with the Justice Department, which is investigating his alleged use of campaign funds to decorate his house and buy a $40,000 Rolex for a female friend. Jackson won reelection last week with more than 60 percent of the vote.
A plea deal could require jail time and his resignation, according to reports. Emanuel said he is praying for Jacksons family.
Read more: Rahm Emanuel: Jesse Jackson, Jr. should show hand - Kevin Robillard - POLITICO.com
If this is true it's an embarrassment for the entire democratic party.
If this is true it's an embarrassment for the entire democratic party.
