Jesse Jackson, Jr. Talks "Personal Shortcomings" to AP

By aaroncynic in News on Dec 27, 2010 6:40PM

Jesse Jackson, Jr. gave a rare interview to the AP over the weekend after delivering a Christmas message to detainees at Cook County Boot Camp. Jackson has been pretty quiet since he acknowledged he was named in the criminal complaint against former Governor Rod Blagojevich in 2008. During the Blagojevich trial, Jackson was said to have been mentioned by a businessman at a meeting discussing fundraising for Blago and Jackson’s desire for the seat. Blagojevich’s brother Robert testified that businessman offered to raise up to $6 million for Rod in exchange for Jackson’s appointment.

Jackson told the AP “Every one of us has erred in their personal lives and while I don't claim to be a perfect servant, I'm a public servant.” He also acknowledged some of his “personal shortcomings” regarding his relationship with a woman he reportedly asked the same businessman to purchase plane tickets for. Jackson said the issue “was an immensely personal matter for us, which my wife and I handled in the privacy of our home” and that he is “grateful for a loving wife and loving family.” He went on to dismiss criticism he faced during the election from his Republican opponent and some community leaders, saying “the people of my district have responded by re-electing me.”