The Chicago Tribune reports:
A key figure in Gov. Rod Blagojevich's alleged scheme to sell a U.S. Senate seat has sought immunity from federal authorities in return for his cooperation in their ongoing probe, the Tribune has learned.
Raghuveer P. Nayak, an Oak Brook businessman and political fundraiser, is the unnamed "Individual D" who prosecutors say was being squeezed by the governor for campaign cash in return for appointing U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. to the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama, sources said.
Investigators appeared at Nayak's Oak Brook home the morning the FBI arrested Blagojevich, the sources said. Nayak was among a number of people connected to the case who were contacted by federal agents that day.
There's more:
Federal and state election reports show Nayak, his wife and his businesses for the last decade have donated more than $779,000 and raised hundreds of thousands more for candidates ranging from the Cook County Circuit Court clerk to President-elect Barack Obama. He has contributed primarily to Democrats but has given money to some Republicans as well.
Nayak also has been a notable contributor and fundraiser for three statewide officials who have been among the governor's harshest critics since the scandal broke—Atty. Gen. Lisa Madigan, Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn and Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.
No word yet from the Obama campaign.You'll notice that some of the same people who contributed to Obama's political career also contributed to Blagojevich.
