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-Election 2012

Rep. Jackson robocall: 'I am human. I am doing my best.'

2012-10-21

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-Ill.) sent out an automated message to constituents in his district on Saturday, asking voters to stick by him through his recent spate of difficulties.

"Like many human beings, a series of events came together in my life at the same time and they have been difficult to sort through," Jackson says in the call. "I am human. I am doing my best. I am trying to sort through them all."

The Chicago Sun Times reported earlier in the day that Jackson is returning to the Mayo Clinic for treatment of bipolar depression.

That report cited an anonymous source who said the press made it impossible for Jackson to continue treatment while living at his home in Washington, D.C.

"Jesse wanted you to know he is finding it difficult to continue his treatment because the press is staking out his home and making access to his doctor, who is within a short walking distance from his home, incredibly hard," the source said.

In June, Jackson took a leave of absence from Congress to be treated for the disorder. His office initially explained his absence as a break from stress and exhaustion, but later came forward to say the congressman actually was actually receiving treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for bipolar disorder.

"I am starting to heal," Jackson says in the robocall. "The good news is my health is improving, but my doctors tell me the road to recovery is a long one."

More recently, Jackson has returned to Washington, D.C., and continued receiving treatment. The lawmaker has not appeared on Capitol Hill since he returned, however, despite assurances from his office that he is running for reelection and intends to stay in Congress.

On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that federal investigators are conducting a criminal probe over allegations that he used campaign donations to decorate his house.

Despite his mounting troubles, most political analysts believe Jackson is a safe bet to win reelection next month in his highly Democratic district.

"For nearly 18 years I have served the people of the second district," he continues in the robocall. "I am anxious to return to work on your behalf, but at this time it is against medical advice, and while I will always give my all to my constituents, I ask for your continued patience as I work to get my health back."

Posted by:Au Auric

#10 Lotp:

If you haven't seen, up close, someone you love wrestle with serious bipolar disorder or other mental illness, you have no idea how much courage it takes to try to get stable and to stay as well as you can with these serious disabilities. It can be a day by day, hour by hour fight, often with the double burden of addictions acquired before diagnosis.

Preach it. If this is indeed the case - and sadly, because of my knowledge of Chicago politics and the Jackson family, I simply cannot shake some skepticism - then the bravest thing he can do is say, 'Enough" and quit. The power and perks simply are not worth what this will do to his life.

My wife Melissa - the most loving, caring, and devoted woman I've ever known - suffers from bipolar and that double burden. It is indeed one day at a time, and some of those days can be long ones.

But wither she goest, I shall go too, even unto the end.

Mike

Posted by: Mike Kozlowski 2012-10-21 14:00

#9 I believe pathological lying is considered a mental illness> It takes over rational judgement and progresses into the fantasy world and then back again.

Sound like anyone we know ?

Posted by: Besoeker 2012-10-21 13:01

#8 Concentrate on health, family and faith.

Boring!

Posted by: Shipman 2012-10-21 12:58

#7 Gee, a democrat that admits he has a mental problem.

How many others are there that won't admit it?

(Start with Uncle Joe and go on from there)

Posted by: AlanC 2012-10-21 12:53

#6 his problems (real and feigned) are his, not his constituents. The honorable thing to do would be to step down and let them get real representation. The fact is he's not an honorable man (see: apple, tree), and they see this seat as a birthright. A black Kennedy

Posted by: Frank G 2012-10-21 12:09

#5 Agreed. Bipolar depression is a serious medical illness. It requires intense treatment for the rest of one's life; setbacks and relapses are common. It's a tough situation for JJJ and his family, and they have my sympathy.

My advice, if I were asked: step back from political life. Concentrate on health, family and faith. Find some other fulfilling work that has a lot less stress. Being a member of Congress isn't worth your health and sanity.

Posted by: Steve White 2012-10-21 11:38

#4 I suspect a resignation forthcoming from Triple-J would be quite doubtful. More likely would be a tragic South Chicago or SE D.C. back alley incident resulting in a large pool of blood and a congressinal vacancy.

Posted by: Besoeker 2012-10-21 11:37

#3 He should withdraw.

But he and his family have my deep sympathy. If you haven't seen, up close, someone you love wrestle with serious bipolar disorder or other mental illness, you have no idea how much courage it takes to try to get stable and to stay as well as you can with these serious disabilities. It can be a day by day, hour by hour fight, often with the double burden of addictions acquired before diagnosis.

Posted by: lotp 2012-10-21 11:03

#2 Power and Ego are more important to these people than the classical concept of public service. Hey, it'll even get you to the top these days.

Posted by: Procopius2k 2012-10-21 09:13

#1 I Googled bipolar representative and guess what, your image came up...in the hundreds.

Sorry you are ill.

Your know what else came up ?

I think this nation has had enough of "change".

Please withdraw your candidacy and save what little you have of your public service dignity.

Be a Big Man for Once in your Life and resign before the election.

Posted by: Waldemar Mussolini7721 2012-10-21 03:13

00:00