Jesse Jackson Jr. Update: JJJ May Have Been Tipped Off To Investigation; Mel Reynolds Announces Candidacy

By Chuck Sudo in News on Nov 28, 2012 11:20PM

As expected, former congressman Mel Reynolds announced his candidacy today for the congressional seat vacated by Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. As we noted Monday, Jackson succeeded Reynolds, who was convicted in August 1995 on 12 counts of sexual assault, solicitation of child pornography and obstruction of justice in 1995. He was later convicted on 15 counts of bank fraud in April 1997.

Reynolds said he hoped voters in the Second Congressional District will see his convictions as a thing of the past and vote for him on the merits of the man he is today.

“The fact of the matter is, nobody’s perfect,” Reynolds said, adding that voters should “look at the entire history of me,” including what people do “after they make mistakes.” Reynolds, however, stopped short of acknowledging guilt for any of his crimes.

Seeing as how voters in IL-2 elected an incumbent congressman who’s been missing from the public eye since June, maybe Reynolds has a chance. But then the media does have a memory like an elephant. So do other politicians like former Rep. Debbie Halvorson, the other confirmed candidate to replace Jackson, who won't hesitate to use Reynold's peach-colored panties-loving past against him.

The Sun-Times reported Wednesday that federal authorities believe Jackson was tipped off to the investigation into his campaign finances, possibly before he began his medical leave from Congress. This will only fuel speculation among some that Jackson may be faking his bi-polar depression, despite information released by his office regarding the state of his health.

Finally, the Tribune reports Jackson may still be able to collect a congressional pension, provided the ongoing investigation doesn't result in a conviction. This makes the ongoing plea deal talks between federal authorities and Jackson's attorney Dan Webb worth watching more closely. Reports last week indicated a plea deal could include jail time. Congress expanded the felony public corruption offenses that could result in forfeiture of pensions to include, among others, offenses relating to soliciting political contributions.