Jackson testifies at Blagojevich trial that he never offered fundraising for Senate seat

5/25/2011
ASSOCIATED PRESS

CHICAGO — U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is testifying at the corruption retrial of Rod Blagojevich that he never offered to raise money for the ousted governor in exchange for a Senate seat.

The Congressman took the stand Wednesday.

Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell or trade an appointment to President Barack Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat for campaign cash or a top job.

Asked by defense attorney Aaron Goldstein if he ever offered to raise money in return for Blagojevich naming him, Jackson said firmly, "No I did not."

He also said he never authorized anyone to tell Blagojevich that money could be raised if Jackson was made a senator.

The Chicago Democrat's not accused of any wrongdoing in the case.

Blagojevich denies any wrongdoing.

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