Fundraiser Seeking Deal With Prosecutors

This can't be good news for U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. Raghuveer P. Nayak, the businessman who set about to help raise $1 million for Gov. Rod Blagojevich in hope that doing so would result in the appointment of Jackson to Obama's senate seat, is seeking an immunity deal with prosecutors according to the Chicago Tribune. The reaction of Jackson's lawyer to the news says a lot:

On Sunday evening, Jackson's lawyer, James Montgomery Sr., reacted to the news of Nayak's bid for immunity by saying, "If that is indeed the case, and if that cooperation relates to my client, then [Nayak] is trying to save his own skin. That's all I have to say."

Nayak and his wife have helped raise about $779,000 for political candidates ranging from local office to Barack Obama according to the Tribune. He also raised considerable sums for some of the governor's harshest critics, including Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn and State Treasurer Alex Giannoulias. Nayak is the subject of an ongoing investigation of fraud allegations at medical clinics he owns. Nayak's ties to the Jackson family, however, are the closest. The Tribune says Nayak traveled with Rev. Jesse Jackson on trips to India and he's been a business partner of Rep. Jackson's brother, Jonathan Jackson.