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**Written by Doug Powers

This just in via the Washington Times:

Former Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. pleaded guilty Wednesday to a conspiracy charge involving more than $750,000 in campaign funds at a dramatic hearing before a federal judge in Washington.

“I am guilty, your honor,” he said, according to a report in the Chicago Tribune.

As part of the plea agreement, Jackson could face a jail sentence of 46 to 57 months, the Tribune reported. But both sides reserved the right to argue for more — or less — jail time, the paper continued. His sentencing hearing is set for this summer.

“I used money I shouldn’t have … for personal reasons,” Jackson said, according to the Tribune. “I acknowledge that.”

He also faces a fine of between $10,000 and $100,000, which presumably can’t be paid with campaign funds.

Jackson’s wife is expected to plead guilty to filing false tax returns, meaning she’ll probably either spend time in jail or as the next treasury secretary.

At least there was some stewardship of taxpayer dollars on display today:

When Wilkins asked if he realized that the guilty plea meant giving up the right to a trial, Jackson responded: “I have no interest in wasting the taxpayers’ time or money.”

Now if we could only get people like this to think that way while they’re in office.

MSNBC treated its viewers to a spirited game of “name that party” with this story today.

Video from CBS News:

**Written by Doug Powers

Twitter @ThePowersThatBe