Jesse Jackson Jr in More Serious Condition Than Previously Thought
Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr.'s medical condition "is more serious than we thought and initially believed," a statement released by his office has stated.
Jackson was recently reported as being treated as an in-patient due to health concerns, but it is now understood that his condition is part of longer term health issues.
A statement has said, "Congressman Jackson's medical condition is more serious than we thought and initially believed. 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."
Jackson is currently facing a House ethics investigation related to alleged ties with imprisoned former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. He has thus far been on medical leave for three weeks, with "exhaustion" cited as the reason.
Even though the new statement spreads light on his general condition, no further details were given as to what exactly his medical issues are, and his location was also not disclosed.
Jesse Jackson Jr., the son of the Rev. Jesse Jackson, rose to prominence when he was elected to office in 1995. However, in recent times he has been plagued by his ties to Blagojevich, and hit the media for all the wrong reasons when an extramarital affair was revealed.
A House Ethics Committee is currently conducting a probe into allegations that Jackson was involved in raising finances for Blagojevich's campaign. His accusers claim that Jackson did this in exchange for the promise of being appointed to President Obama's vacated U.S. Senate seat.
Prior to elective politics Jackson was active in international civil rights activism, and has also participated in his father's presidential campaigns. During his time in public office he has co-authored three books, two of them with his father.
Jackson has maintained his innocence in the claims made against him and says he has committed not wrongdoing.
