Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr. resigns
Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., D-Ill., submitted his resignation to House Speaker John Boehner today, just a little more than two weeks after easily winning re-election.
Jackson's resignation comes amid an FBI investigation into his alleged misuse of campaign funds. The congressman is reportedly in negotiations with the federal government over a plea deal that could include jail time. Jackson has also been struggling with his health. He spent four weeks at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota over the summer in treatment for bipolar depression and acknowledged last month that is "not well."
"For seventeen years I have given 100 percent of my time, energy, and life to public service," Jackson wrote in his resignation letter to Boehner. "However, over the past several months, as my health has deteriorated, my ability to serve the constituents of my district has continued to diminish... The constituents of the Second District deserve a full?time legislator in Washington, something I cannot be for the foreseeable future. My health issues and treatment regimen have become incompatible with service in the House of Representatives."
Jackson cited some of the highlights of his 17-year congressional career, such as working with the community to build new train stations, Water towers, and emergency rooms. However, he also acknowledged that "[d]uring this journey I have made my share of mistakes."
<snip>
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-34222_162-57553250-10391739/rep-jesse-jackson-jr-resigns/
