Jesse Jackson Jr.'s Blagojevich troubles are just beginning

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CHICAGO - When former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was sentenced on Wednesday to 14 years in federal prison, it marked the fourth time since 1968 that an Illinois governor has been convicted and sentenced to jail time. For Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., however, his troubles in connection with Blagojevich are just beginning. "His misconduct tarnished our state," Jackson said on Thursday as he addressed the National Association of Letter Carriers Chicago branch. "When President Obama won his election, I was interested in serving as your Senator. During that time, I only did what was legal, ethical, and what was appropriate to express my desire to serve the people of this state." Jackson, who is in his ninth term in congress, faces allegations that he tried to make a deal with Blagojevich for an appointment to the U.S. Senate seat formerly held by President Obama in late 2008. During Blagojevich's trial, prosecutors said he attempted to give the Senate seat to Jackson in exchange for $1.5 million in donations.