Politics | Rod Blagojevich Jackson Rejects Blago Allegations By John Johnson Posted Dec 10, 2008 4:02 PM CST Copied In this Monday, Aug. 25, 2008 picture, Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., speaks at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds) Jesse Jackson Jr. vigorously denounced Gov. Rod Blagojevich today and insisted he did nothing unethical to try to win appointment to Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat. "I reject and denounce pay-to-play politics," said Jackson, who was identified earlier today as the so-called "Senate Candidate No. 5" in the scandal. The Illinois congressman said neither he nor any of his representatives made any offers to the governor, the Chicago Tribune reports. In taped conversations, Blagojevich said the No. 5 candidate offered to raise $1 million for him if he got the seat. Jackson, however, said he "had no involvement whatsoever" in any such deal. He joined Obama in calling for the governor to immediately resign. Read These Next The Air Force has changed its tune on Ashli Babbitt. Open that wallet big time for a trip to Disney, if you can afford it. Minneapolis shooter had a plan—and grievances. A 'tense' clash with RFK Jr. led to CDC chief's trouble. Report an error