Jesse Jackson, Jr. is Senate candidate #5?

Brian Ross:

Chicago Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-IL) is the anonymous "Senate Candidate #5" whose emissaries Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich reportedly claimed offered up to a million dollars to name him to the U.S. Senate, federal law enforcement sources tell ABC News.

According to the FBI affidavit in the case, Blagojevich "stated he might be able to cut a deal with Senate Candidate 5 that provided ROD BLAGOJEVICH" with something "tangible up front."

Jackson Jr. said this morning he was contacted yesterday by federal prosecutors in Chicago who he said "asked me to come in and share with them my insights and thoughts about the selection process."

Jackson Jr. said "I don't know" when asked if he was Candidate #5, but said he was told "I am not a target of this investigation."

Jackson Jr. said he agreed to talk with federal investigators "as quickly as possible" after he consults with a lawyer.

The Congressman, a son of the famed civil rights leader, denied that anyone had been authorized to make payments or promises to the Governor on his behalf.

...

I am skeptical that Jackson was not aware of offers that may have been made in his behalf and that he would not know who made them. He is son of one of the biggest shakedown artist of all times and knows how the game is played in Chicago. His father became rich shaking down companies on civil rights issues. He also knows what it takes to get elected in Chicago and the price that has to be paid. He may not be the target of the investigation, but either he or someone representing him should be.

The Hill has names for candidates 1 though 6.

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