Sources: Jackson-Blago fundraising probed

CHICAGO, April 9 (UPI) -- Investigators are looking at fundraising by Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. for former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, sources said.

Blagojevich is accused of trying to sell the U.S. Senate left vacant by President Barack Obama.

Federal authorities have questioned former Blagojevich Chief of Staff John Harris, who is cooperating in the investigation, and others about a fundraiser Jackson and friends held for Blagojevich Dec. 6, the sources told the Chicago Tribune.

Blagojevich, arrested Dec. 9 and removed from office by the Illinois Legislature in January, was indicted last week in a federal corruption case that includes charges he sought to barter his appointment power for campaign contributions and other favors.

Federal prosecutors allege Blagojevich was considering awarding the seat to Jackson in return for a Jackson associate offering $1.5 million in campaign cash, the Tribune said.

A congressional ethics office also has begun a preliminary inquiry into Jackson's efforts to win the appointment last fall.

Jackson, a Chicago Democrat, said he did nothing wrong and was confident the congressional panel would dismiss the matter.

His name surfaced in the Blagojevich case when wiretaps picked up evidence one of his fundraisers had promised to raise at least $1 million for the governor if Jackson was appointed to Obama's seat.

Jackson was recently interviewed by prosecutors but has not been accused of any wrongdoing.