Why is Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr., still MIA? And why is his office issuing vague statements instead of disclosing to his constituents just what is going on with their Congressman?
That’s what everyone is starting to ask after the U.S. Representative (D-IL) continues his absence from public life. On June 25, Jackson’s staff had announced that the Congressman had been taking a leave of absence due to exhaustion since June 10. His office issued the following statement Thursday:
Recently, we have been made aware that he has grappled with certain physical and emotional ailments privately for a long period of time … At present, he is undergoing further evaluation and treatment at an in-patient medical facility. According to the preliminary diagnosis from his doctors, Congressman Jackson will need to receive extended in-patient treatment as well as continuing medical treatment thereafter. We ask that you keep Congressman Jackson and his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult period…
Jackson is currently being investigated by the House Ethics Committee for his involvement with Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s attempts to sell the Senate seat in Illinois as well as using campaign funds to fly his mistress to Chicago.
The statement provides no details as to where he is or for what he is being treated. The vague statements are leading to speculation (including from his democratic challenger) as his mystery ailment remains undisclosed. Reports from activists on the ground in Chicago are more pointed, though at this point unsubstantiated:
His twitter account has not been active since June 25.
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