Jesse Jackson Jr still favorite in congressional race, amid medical leave
theGRIO REPORT - With less than two weeks left until election day, embattled U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. still tops off as the favorite in a recent poll conducted by We Ask America...
Last week, Jackson was accused of misusing campaign money and drinking with women who weren’t his wife at a Washington, D.C. bar. Additionally, Jackson’s message came just days after the Illinois congressman told The Daily he is “not well” in his first interview since he undertook an extended leave of absence.
A House Ethics Committee continues to look into Jackson’s supposed involvement in trying to be appointed to now-President Barack Obama’s seat in the U.S. Senate, reported NBC Chicago. Jackson has admitted he wanted to be appointed to the Senate, but has repeatedly denied allegations he sent emissaries to offer campaign cash to then-Gov. Rod Blagojevich in exchange for the seat, the report said.
Illinois Congressmen Danny Davis and Bobby Rush visited Jackson in his Washington, D.C. home Monday. According to the Chicago Tribune, Davis said they met with Jackson for “a personal assessment of his mental and emotional state.” According to him, Jackson cried during the two-hour conversation. Rush confirmed that Jackson left for the Mayo Clinic Monday.
“He has not been derelict in his duties (as Congressman),” said Rush, as he and Davis spoke at an O’Hare International Airport news conference Monday evening, reported the Tribune.
Rush described Jackson as “the Derrick Rose of the Illinois Delegation,” – a star sidelined by injury, the report said. “No one is clamoring for Derrick Rose to come back before he should,” Rush said about the injured Bulls star.
It is still unclear whether or not Jackson will return to his seat. The elder Jackson told theGrio Sunday that this week’s tests will determine his status.
Renita Young is a Chicago-based multimedia journalist. Follow her on Twitter @RenitaDYoung.
