Rep. Jackson subject of trial testimony

CHICAGO, July 11 (UPI) -- Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. is the latest figure to find himself enmeshed in the trial of former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on corruption charges, observers say.

Blagojevich is on trial for allegedly trying to extort money to name a successor to the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by newly elected President Obama and allegedly considered Jackson if the congressman's loyalists could raise $1 million for Blagojevich, The Chicago Tribune reported Sunday.

Prosecutors in Blagojevich's trial allege that Jackson knew of the scheme and was sitting at a table in a Chicago restaurant in October 2008 when one of his supporters detailed the $1 million plan to him, the newspaper said.

Jackson has denied any wrongdoing but faces the resumption of a House ethics probe resulting from the investigation of Blagojevich, put on hold at the request of the U.S. attorney's office until the criminal trial of Blagojevich is completed.

Jackson, in a statement issued Friday, said he "was never part of any improper scheme with Blagojevich or anyone else related to securing" the Senate vacancy, the Tribune reported.