CHICAGO - Immediately after Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr's resignation was announced Wednesday, his attorney Dan Webb - who also represented convicted felons former Governor George Ryan and former Springfield powerbroker Bill Celllini - chimed in with a statement that indicates there's more to come.
AP reported:
"Mr. Jackson is cooperating with the investigation. We hope to negotiate a fair resolution of the matter but the process could take several months," said a statement from Jackson attorneys including former U.S. Attorney in Chicago Dan Webb. "During that time, we will have no further comment and urge you to give Mr. Jackson the privacy he needs to heal and handle these issues responsibly."
Experts said confirmation by Jackson of the federal investigation and his resignation signaled more details are likely to follow.
"I think it won't be too long before we hear an announcement of a plea agreement," said Bruce Reinhart, a white-collar defense lawyer in West Palm Beach, Fla., who was a federal prosecutor for 19 years. "The government doesn't like people who are going to plead guilty to abusing public office to remain in a position of public trust. ... Resignation would be a significant bargaining chip for Congressman Jackson in order to get a better deal from the government."
Governor Pat Quinn will announce a special election to replace Jackson. Speculation is the election will coincide with the Spring 2013 local elections. Democrat names are starting to emerge for possible succession - including the fiery former Blagojevich attorney Sam Adams, State Senator Toi Hutchison, State Representative Al Riley and former Congresswoman Debbie Halvorson, who lost to Jackson Jr in the 2012 Democrat primary.
On the Republican side, 2010 candidate Isaac Hayes and 2010 candidate for lieutenant governor Eric Wallace are weighing likely support to challenge Jackson in a likely low turnout election.
