The New York Times confirms that Jesse Jackson Jr. is the 'Candidate 5' mentioned in the criminal complaint against Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.
I'm not really sure what to say about this, other than that Jackson can probably say goodbye to advancing beyond his House seat. This is a pretty serious development: Jackson was Obama's national campaign co-chair. Obviously he didn't develop enough influence to make himself Obama's chosen replacement, but he's much closer to Obama than Blagojevich. Jackson's connection to this will probably add fodder for conservatives and reporters clamoring to make a connection between Obama and Blagojevich's corrupt behavior in lieu of any actual wrongdoing on Obama's part. The suggestion in the complaint was that Candidate 5 was not Obama's preferred pick, given that Blagojevich is quoted as saying he would appoint Candidate 5 if the Obama people "didn't give him anything." The complaint transcript suggests the Obama folks were inclined to give only "appreciation."
Now it's not yet clear that Jackson had knowledge of the scheme, but it may not matter in terms of his political career. It's possible discussions were held between Blagojevich's people and someone in Jackson's office without his knowledge, but I doubt that explanation will satisfy many voters should Jackson seek higher office in the future.
--A. Serwer
