Rep. Jackson returning to Mayo Clinic for 'follow-up evaluation'
October 23rd, 2012
04:38 PM ET
10 years ago

Rep. Jackson returning to Mayo Clinic for 'follow-up evaluation'

(CNN) - Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. returned Tuesday for a "follow-up" at the Mayo Clinic, where he had been in treatment for what he called "several serious health issues."

The Illinois congressman left the clinic in early September, and a statement distributed by clinic spokesman Nick Hanson on Jackson's behalf said he returned "for follow-up evaluation to ensure he is on the path to properly manage his health."

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Jackson, 47, has been away from Congress and largely out of the public eye since May, and his office said in June that he was taking a leave of absence. In August, it emerged that the nine-term Democrat was suffering from depression and was in treatment at the Mayo Clinic.

After meeting with Jackson in August, Rep. Patrick Kennedy told CNN that his longtime friend and colleague was suffering from "serious depression - deep, deep depression."

In a recorded phone call made to constituents on Saturday, Jackson said he has "undergone medical treatment to address several serious health issues."

"Like many human beings, a series of events came together in my life at the same time and they've been difficult to sort through," he said in the call, which his office provided to CNN. "I am human, I am doing my best, and I am trying to sort through them all."

He is the subject of an investigation involving possible financial improprieties conducted in Washington by the FBI and federal prosecutors, a federal law enforcement official told CNN last week. The Wall Street Journal reported the investigation involved home improvements which may have been improperly funded by campaign donations.

Jackson is also under investigation by the House Ethics Committee, which is examining allegations that, in 2008, he or one of his associates offered to raise money for then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich in exchange for Jackson being appointed to the Senate seat vacated by Barack Obama.

"I am anxious to return to work on your behalf but at this time, it's against medical advice," he said in the call. Asking for patience, he added, "The good news is my health is improving, but my doctors tell me the road to recovery is a long one."

Jackson is the son of the famed civil rights leader of the same name and represents Illinois' 2nd Congressional District.

- CNN's Miriam Falco contributed to this report


Filed under: 2012 • Jesse Jackson Jr.
soundoff (9 Responses)
  1. truth hurts

    The voters need to replace this guy and let him get well again before he runs for office. It is clear he can't do the job in his current condition.

    October 23, 2012 04:41 pm at 4:41 pm |
  2. Claudia, Houston, Tx

    I think he better stay in the hospital until it all gets better for him and that might be for the rest of his life. Bipolar and depression don't go away and neither are those charges, he's got a mountain of problems which could be due to his illness, I've counseled people with those illnesses and medication really doesn't help.

    October 23, 2012 04:50 pm at 4:50 pm |
  3. Scott

    I guarantee if be started smoking cannabis, his depression would cease in a matter of 5-7 days. It's a shame he hasn't been offered that treatment

    October 23, 2012 05:17 pm at 5:17 pm |
  4. I Voted Early In NC

    @ truth hurts- what is your reason for not being able to do a job.

    October 23, 2012 05:23 pm at 5:23 pm |
  5. T'sah from Virginia

    Get well Jackson!!!

    October 23, 2012 08:01 pm at 8:01 pm |
  6. Rob-Me & Lyin' Ryan are hosed!

    Life can be tough and at times we all need help. Best wishes!

    October 23, 2012 08:35 pm at 8:35 pm |
  7. Beverly - NYC

    Get well soon Congressman, but the people of your district may be better served by someone else.

    October 23, 2012 10:08 pm at 10:08 pm |
  8. Steve- Illinois

    This guy is such a phony, yet he'll be reelected because he might give us something.
    What a joke.

    October 23, 2012 11:02 pm at 11:02 pm |
  9. Cam Spurgeon

    He needs to resign, get on with life and let someone else earn the paycgheck representing Illinois and the country. Wish him well.

    October 24, 2012 04:59 am at 4:59 am |