Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. had not been heard from since he collapsed at his Washington D.C. home in June and then subsequently spent the summer on medical leave, being treated for bipolar disorder. The Illinois Democrat, who is up for re-election in November, returned to the capital last month, but has yet to return to work.
On Monday, a reporter for The Daily encountered Jackson outside his D.C. home, and took down the Congressman’s first public comments in months.
Jackson — who was sitting on the stoop in front of his home, smoking a cigar beside his father, Jesse Jackson Sr. — told The Daily that he is “not well” and that he goes to twice daily doctors appointments at George Washington University Hospital “at 10 [a.m.] and 1 p.m.”
The Daily also added details to a report which first surfaced on Monday, that Jackson Jr. was spotted last Tuesday and Wednesday at the Bier Baron Tavern in D.C.
“He was here. He was drinking. He was with other people,” a waiter identified only as Frank said. “I personally didn’t serve his table.”
Over the weekend, news broke that Jackson Jr. is the target of a federal criminal probe that is in its final stages, concerning alleged misuse of campaign funds.
Read the rest of The Daily’s story here.
Eric Lach
Eric Lach is a reporter for TPM. From 2010 to 2011, he was a news writer in charge of the website’s front page. He has previously written for The Daily, NewYorker.com, GlobalPost and other publications. He can be reached at ericl(at)talkingpointsmemo.com
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