News Roundup: All Of The Latest On Jesse Jackson Jr.
By Samantha Abernethy in News on Nov 14, 2012 11:00PM
U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. has checked out of the Mayo Clinic, but he hasn't shown up to work yet. Here is all of the latest news on Jackson Jr. and the drama that surrounds him.
- The FBI investigation into Jackson's possible misuse of campaign funds has expanded to include wife Ald. Sandi Jackson (7th). Investigators are trying to determine whether she knew the funds for remodeling came from the campaign coffers.
- A spokesperson at the Mayo Clinic has confirmed that the congressman left the clinic. The hospital says Jackson is continuing outpatient treatment for his Bipolar Disorder. Oddly enough, his father Rev. Jesse Jackson told the Tribune that he thought his son was still at the Mayo Clinic.
- However, Jackson didn't show up in Washington, D.C. today at a meeting of House Democrats.
- Ald. Jackson also did not go to work today. She was absent from a City Council Committee meeting.
- According to filings with the Federal Election Commission, Jackson Jr. hired an FEC consultant in August. That was more than two months before the FBI investigation into misuse of campaign funds was made public, hinting that maybe Jackson knew he might be in trouble.
- Mayor Rahm Emanuel thinks Jackson Jr. needs to address his constituents. "With the election over, there are big issues coming up in the lame duck session, " Emanuel said at an unrelated event. "I think Congressman Jackson, it's incumbent upon him to have a conversation with his constituents about his intentions."
- The Better Government Association's Andy Shaw says Jackson's political career is over, and his district could be without representation for months.
- And who would replace Jackson? Attorney Sam Adam Jr. says he is considering a run for Jackson's seat. Adam raised his public profile as the attorney to R. Kelly and former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
- We have a little suggestion for Gov. Pat Quinn — when it comes time to fill Jackson's seat, please don't try to sell it or "parachute" yourself to there. Our fragile emotions couldn't handle that drama.