CongressionalBadBoys.com | home | Jackson Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. Democrat, Illinois (1995-present) Update: April 9, 2009:  A congressional ethics panel is now investigating allegations against Jackson. "I have done nothing wrong," said Jackson. The Honorable Jesse Jackson, Jr. became embroiled in the scandal to replace Barack Obama in the U.S. Senate.  Tape recordings of Governor Rod Blagojevich discuss a "Candidate Number 5," and the possibility that a half million dollars might come Blagojevich's way if he chooses that candidate. On December 12, 2008, the Chicago Tribune revealed that two businessmen with ties to both Blagojevich and Jackson discussed raising $1 million for Blagojevich to help persuade him to appoint Jackson. Businessman Raghuveer Nayak reportedly met with Blagojevich aide Rajinder Bedi.  Together, they allegedly told attendees at an October 31 meeting that they needed to raise the money for the governor to ensure Jackson's appointment. A Blagojevich fundraiser was then held a couple of days later, which was also attended by Jackson's brother, Jonathan, who went into business with Nayak a few years ago. Nayak has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Blagojevich and is a close family friend of the Jackson family.  Bedi is also a Blagojevich fundraiser. Jackson met with Blagojevich the day before the feds arrested him.  Stay tuned. David Kidwell, John Chase, and Dan Mihalpoulos, "Blagojevich Fundraiser Held by Jackson Allies Saturday," Chicago Tribune, Dec. 12, 2008. "Ethics Panel Focuses on Rep. Jesse Jackson," Washington Post, April 9, 2009.