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'Individual D' Wants Immunity for Blago Help

Political fundraiser, Jackson pal Nayak offers cooperation

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 22, 2008 10:12 AM CST

(Newser) – A prominent figure in the federal probe of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich wants immunity in the case in exchange for his cooperation, the Los Angeles Times reports. Chicago-area businessman Raghuveer Nayak, known as “Individual D,” was squeezed by the governor for campaign cash in return for naming Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., a friend of Nayak’s, to Barack Obama’s open Senate seat.

Nayak hosted an October lunch where he talked about raising $1 million for Blagojevich to help secure the seat for Jackson, the Chicago Tribune earlier reported; Jackson says he didn’t know about it. Nayak hasn’t been accused of wrongdoing, but if his “cooperation relates to my client, then (Nayak) is trying to save his own skin,” said a lawyer for Jackson.

Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich addresses reporters Friday, 10 days after he was arrested on federal corruption charges.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich addresses reporters Friday, 10 days after he was arrested on federal corruption charges.   (AP Photo)
Businessman Raghuveer Nayak was being pressured by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for campaign contributions in return for appointing Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (pictured) to Barack Obama's Senate seat.
Businessman Raghuveer Nayak was being pressured by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for campaign contributions in return for appointing Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (pictured) to Barack Obama's Senate seat.   (AP Photo)
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich addresses reporters Friday at the State of Illinois building in Chicago.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich addresses reporters Friday at the State of Illinois building in Chicago.   (AP Photo)
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