Rep. Jackson Says Illinois Governor Sought Donations in 2002

Jackson has been identified as "Senate Candidate 5," one of several contenders allegedly being considered by Blagojevich for appointment to the seat in return for hefty campaign contributions or some other reward. According to a federal affidavit, Blagojevich said in an FBI-recorded conversation that an associate of Senate Candidate 5 offered to raise money for the governor if he appointed the candidate to serve the remaining two years of Obama's term.

Jackson has denied offering Blagojevich anything in return for the seat or authorizing anyone to make any such commitments on his behalf.

In a federal complaint, prosecutors also accused Blagojevich, 52, of pressuring the parent company of the Chicago Tribune to fire editorial writers in return for state aid in the sale of the Wrigley Field baseball stadium.

Currie said the committee's progress might be delayed by U.S. Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald's request that it hold off on calling certain witnesses while the federal criminal investigation is proceeding. She said she asked Fitzgerald's office Monday to help her determine which witnesses can be called to testify at impeaching hearings without disrupting the federal probe.

The House committee has subpoena power, although members said it was unclear whether they would use it.

If the committee recommends impeachment, the House would then decide whether to file charges against him. If it did so, the state Senate would be responsible for holding a trial on the charges.

Panel members said they also plan to discuss matters that are not mentioned in the 78-page criminal complaint and supporting FBI affidavit unveiled last week. Among them are accusations of abuse of power, such as the governor's alleged purchase of flu vaccine without administrative authority.

Most committee members reiterated calls for the resignation of Blagojevich.

Members of both parties described the launching of the impeachment probe as a sad day for the state. It was the first time that the House had moved to impeach a state official in 175 years.

"I see no sense of glee in making history of this nature," said one longtime Blagojevich critic, state Rep. John Fritchey (D) of Chicago. "From the first time I heard the news I never smiled and said, 'Good, they got 'im.' Nothing gets accomplished by kicking someone when they're down. This makes all elected officials in Illinois look bad."

Currie stressed that the committee would give Blagojevich due process and would not hurry the investigation.

Rep. Arthur Turner (D) of Chicago said, "Let me remind you that 19 people have been exonerated in this state from Death Row because we rushed to justice."