Jackson says he didn't 'pay to play' Illinois politics

(CNN) -- A law enforcement official connected to the investigation into Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich confirmed Wednesday that the person referred to in the criminal complaint against the governor as "Senate Candidate 5" is Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr.The law enforcement official said there was no evidence -- other than the governor's taped remarks -- that Jackson or others on his behalf ever approached the governor in an improper way.The official also emphasized that no conversations with Jackson were ever picked up on bugs or wiretaps, and there is no evidence that he was aware of anything improper.Jackson denied Wednesday participating in the "pay to play" politics federal prosecutors allege Blagojevich conducted in his search to fill President-elect Barack Obama's Senate seat."I want to make this fact plain: I reject and denounce pay-to-play politics and have no involvement whatsoever in any wrongdoing. I did not initiate or authorize anyone at any time to promise anything to Gov. Blagojevich," Jackson, an Illinois Democrat, said during a Capitol Hill press conference Wednesday. Watch: Jackson denies involvement with Blagojevich »Jackson said he was informed by the office of U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald -- tasked with investigating Gov. Blagojevich's alleged misconduct -- that he was not a target of the investigation."In the days ahead, federal law enforcement officials want to meet and discuss what I know about the Senate selection process," Jackson said. "I look forward to cooperating with the hardworking men and women of the United States Attorney's Office and the Justice Department."Jackson said Blagojevich, "in the best interests of our state, should resign and forfeit his authority to make the Senate appointment."While defending his innocence, Jackson said he was qualified to fill the vacant Senate seat in large part due to his previous experience in Washington.Jackson noted he has missed only two votes during his 13 years in Congress, and has served in the U.S. House longer than almost all of the other members of the Illinois congressional delegation being mentioned as possible replacements for Obama."I thought, mistakenly, that the process was fair, above board and on the merits," Jackson said. "I thought, mistakenly, that the governor was evaluating me and other Senate hopefuls based upon our credentials and qualifications." SOURCE:CNN.COM