Jesse Jackson Jr. Reaches Out to Constituents by Phone and Seeks Patience
The beleaguered congressman sends an automated phone message to his district in which he says, "I am human." The Rev. Jackson says his son will head for the hospital soon.
Jesse Jackson Jr.'s constituents heard from him this weekend for the first time since June — via a robocall in which he asks for their patience, thanks them and says he's "starting to heal."
The automated calls were received in the 2nd Congressional District Saturday, according to the Huffington Post. In the minute-and-a-half call, Jackson says:
"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. I am human. I am doing my best. I am trying to sort through them all. ...
"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."
His father, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, told the Chicago Tribune that his son would be returning to the Mayo Clinic soon.
"As a father, I want his health to be his No. 1 priority,” the elder Jackson said, declining to address questions about whether Jackson would remain on the November ballot. The reverend told the Tribune his son was seeing two doctors a day in Washington. He went into the Mayo Clinic in July for treatment of bipolar II disorder and gastrointestinal issues and left in early September.
Jackson's advocacy for a third airport in eastern Will County has never endeared him to political figures in Will County, Republican and Democrat alike.
One Will County Democrat told Patch he agreed with the Republican call for Jackson to step aside. Tim Gaffney, vice chairman of Frankfort Township Democrats and 20th precinct committeeman, said he had no problem with Republican Cory Singer's suggestion that Democrats call for Jackson's withdrawal from the election.
"I would agree with that, just based on Jackson's history," Gaffney said, pointing out Halvorson had challenged Jackson's loyalty to his constituents and called for his resignation during the primary. "I really feel that Debbie Halvorson's timing was just a tad bit off."
Jackson, a congressman for 17 years, hasn't campaigned at all this fall since winning his spring primary against former congresswoman Halvorson.
His year went from bad to worse this week when the Chicago Sun-Times exposed a months-long federal investigation into whether the nine-term Democrat used campaign funds to adorn his home.
Jackson is also the subject of a years-long House probe into allegations that a friend made campaign contributions to Rod Blagojevich (D), hoping the former Illinois governor would appoint the Chicago congressman to fill the Senate seat left open after Barack Obama was elected president.
Most recently, Jackson was the subject of a report by the website Gawker that he has been frequenting bars in Washington, D.C., even while claiming he’s too ill to return to work.
Yet even with all this drama, it's unlikely Jackson will lose the election.
His Republican opponent Brian Woodworth has been trying to use the latest developments to win some attention. But with the composition of his district, Jackson could even be sitting in a jail cell and still win re-election.
Joe Lake
11:42 pm on Sunday, October 21, 2012
JJJr is returning to Mayo Clinic to the tune of Jailhouse rock. http://youtu.be/plaDFJpOfMs Joe lake, Chicago
Marcus Lewis
6:46 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Anita
8:41 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
I was insulted by the call. Just weeks before the election he says "pray for me" and VOTE for me in the same call! But did not tell us even one word for months! He is NOT doing his job, deserves no new term. I am voting for Marcus Lewis. Time for an Independent candidate... a new voice. Look up his website; he is not backed by a large, national party and has no $$ to run ads. This guy is new and perhaps would be an asset in this seat. JJJ sure is NOT.
Marcus Lewis
5:03 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Thank you for your support Anita. It is my hope as I being on the ballot have given smart people like yourself a place to park your vote to GET RID OF A CORRUPT CROOK SUCH JJJ IS.
At this time we all are seeing he is about to be indicted at any time now (hopefully BEFORE the election). EVERYONE THAT WANTS HIM OUT SOOOOO BAD, THEN GET BEHIND ME AND USE MY ACCESS ON THE BALLOT TO GET HIM OUT!!!!
IT IS WHAT SCARES JJJ!!!!! LET'S GET SMART HERE!!! I may not be what you want, but we should agree on ONE THING, PUTTING OUR VOTES "TOGETHER" WILL HAVE A BETTER SHOT, AND A WINNING BLOW THAT WILL MAKE HISTORY!
Don't ever say, I did not give you what you wanted and it costs you only a vote. Not money. Simply, a vote. what do you have to lose? You have all to gain.
Marcus Lewis
6:47 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
BUTCH
9:14 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
look at the district and the congressman's wife's ward not the one where they live the one that pays their check we have outsourced our representation to the MAYO clinic he could have at least tried to keep TINLEY open our local BI-POLARS need care and patience too he's not even a figment of someone's definition of a human being!
BUTCH
9:28 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
Debbie could blow the lid off if she wanted on both JJ and get rid of the 3rd Airport this is a scheme of SR to get a cushy 6-7 figure consultant job aka extortion that QUINN is willing to play until it becomes public, they have as much concern for jobs as TWIT CRATING hi Tech MACHINERY off to RED CHINA and creating slave labor jobs in the peoples paradise.
Marcus Lewis
6:46 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Lazygardener
9:20 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
Marcus Lewis doesn't support the South Suburban Airport.
Marcus Lewis
6:42 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Lee Shirer
9:38 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
WAKE UP FOLKS! Do NOT vote for this man till he is healthy and out in public again!! I am getting NO representation and neither are you! So what if he loses the election, he can always try again if and when he is healthy.
Linda Daniels
10:00 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
I have said this same thing for weeks! We don't have representation and this is wrong! Dem party letting us down too! We are in limbo- IL. Politics as usual!... boo
Marcus Lewis
6:43 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Hernendo RevolveR
10:02 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
He gets lifetime benefits already. He will be just fine if he gets voted out. Let's look at what's best for We The People for a change and vote him out!
Linda Daniels
10:01 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
Yes-write ins on Nov 6! We need new person now!
Marcus Lewis
5:05 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
THEN VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS
Marcus Lewis
6:44 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
jim gott
10:03 am on Monday, October 22, 2012
I am not sure how or why he would think he would or should have a job. He has been out of sight for months.The real world would not let this happen,in the private sector you would need to report to the people in charge about your condition and what your date of return would be. He is not able to serve the interests of the people and should step down till his personal health and finances are in order.
Marcus Lewis
6:44 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Russ Bensley
12:29 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
This is a problem for Democratic voters. On the one hand, disaffection with Jackson. On the other hand, if there is any slim chance of regaining control of the House, the Democrats will need every seat they can win. I suspect a number of Democrats will vote agains him, knowing that he will almost certainly win anyway.
Marcus Lewis
6:44 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Karen Kurowski McHugh
1:28 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
Our political system is a damned joke. These politician have so completely forgotten why they are where they are. They view these positions as entitlements and not service jobs! Oh my God I am so angry! This is outrageous that he has the audacity to send out robocalls asking not only for prayers, which would be gladly offered IF truly needed but for a vote??? A vote??? For what??? What the hell is he doing for me??? Wasting my time, tax dollars?? He has NO integrity. He wants to be re-elected why? So he can slip wifey wife into his cushy spot? A damned disgrace. As if two former governors in prison isn't enough of an embarassment, as if the wishy washy mealy mouth we have now in Springfield isn't embarrrassing enough...now this?? And to the commentor above who mentioned Tinley Park? Bravo! My sentiments exactly!
Marcus Lewis
6:45 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
TPResident
5:59 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
If this was happening to you or I, we wouldn't be still recieving a paycheck! This man is getting paid to sit on his portch and smoke cigars and go to bars with his friends!! He needs to step aside. If he needs to heal, he needs to leave the seat! He is just as a con artist as his father! As far as Tinley Park Mental closing, that should have never happened! People with psych issues are sitting in emergency rooms, taking up beds for DAYS waiting for Howe and Madden to come up with beds! After I'm done with school, I'm moving OUT of Illinois!
Marcus Lewis
6:45 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Linda Daniels
9:56 pm on Monday, October 22, 2012
I have said it for weeks now: Jjj- Do the right thing for your district and resign your position. Your health is taking more time than predicted. You have not been upfront with constituents! Voters cant depend on you at this time. You have had golden insurance for treatment. You have had paychecks but no show at your job. Time to give another person your Senate seat! Write-ins welcome!
Marcus Lewis
5:07 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
TOO LATE FOR WRITE-INS, VOTE FOR THE MAN THAT HAS BALLOT ACCESS ALREADY, MARCUS LEWIS.
ACCOMPLISH OUR MAIN GOAL, GETTING RID OF JJJ, NOW! AND WE CAN DO IT QUICK, FAST AND IN A HURRY!
Marcus Lewis
6:45 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Cfoam
12:29 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
If he really cared for his party and the people he would have resigned so someone else could run ( a democrat) The only reason to vote for him is a democratic seat. Then bring up all the charges they have against him, find him guilty, throw him in the penn and appoint another democrat! No taxation without representation folks!
What a complete arrogant looser.
Marcus Lewis
6:48 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Marcus Lewis
5:12 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
VOTE FOR THE MAN THAT HAS BALLOT ACCESS ALREADY, MARCUS LEWIS.
ACCOMPLISH OUR MAIN GOAL, GETTING RID OF JJJ, NOW! AND WE CAN DO IT QUICK, FAST AND IN A HURRY!
I AM "NOT" CONNECTED WITH THE DEMOCRAT MACHINE
PUT ALL YOU ENERGY BEHIND MARCUS LEWIS BEFORE YOU START DILUTING YOUR VOTING POWER VOTING FOR WOODWORTH WHO CANNOT WIN!
I CAN GET BOTH, CHICAGO AND WILL AND KANKAKEE IF WE GET SMART NOW!
Marcus Lewis
6:45 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Arthur W. Wiggins Jr.
9:28 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
It would be nice if this beleaguered district could have a candidate debate. The idea of voting base simply on party affiliation, or lack there of, is insulting.
We do not vote based on capability as much as we do on affiliation, be it party or family name.
Do we not deserve better?
The unilateral argument that "I am better than he is" is baseless and thus not credible.
The problem with this District, concerning the last 3 elected officials, has been their credibility. Unfortunately I do not think the majority will see it this way and continue to vote based on the the aforementioned criteria.
Marcus Lewis
9:54 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Arthur,
I hear you loud and clear and I am in this race, but the fact still remains are the republicans going to choose Marcus Lewis to throw their votes behind and get Jesse Jackson Jr. out taking the machine politics with it or be divided and stick with the thought of a three way split and fantasize Woodworth coming out on top in a squeaker which will not happen. Because the majority of Black are going with Jackson so far outside an pending indictment that may or may not come before election day.
So "GET SMART!" IF YOU WANT JACKSON GONE THEN YOU HAVE A PLACE TO PARK YOUR VOTE AND WE CAN HAVE A BETTER CHANCE.
"UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE SUFFER."
'HELP IS ON THE BALLOT, HELP IS ON THE WAY!"
VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW!
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
BUTCH
11:59 am on Tuesday, October 23, 2012
All things considered I voted early yesterday and u got my vote not that u deserve it the thought of a potential TPARTY guy which I doubt now Brian is,
the problem is if he is not the NORDQUIST traitors will turn him into one a BI-ARTISAN pol cannot exist or coexist in DC so despite my better judgement I held my nose and voted for another guy who is a minister which we need like the SARS epidemic but has the potential to do the right thing (maybe I will pray he does) OBAMA and America need a DEM CONGRESS we need a congressman period!
Marcus Lewis
3:57 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Thank you Butch. I won't let you down.
babyboomer
11:17 am on Thursday, October 25, 2012
If you vote for JR, you will not be represented in the congress because he hasn't been there to vote since April, so essentially, you have NO REpresentive!! We are paying him for doing nothing. Sound Familiar!! Marcus Lewis isn't much better.
Marcus Lewis
12:00 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
I don't know you nor do you know me, but you are beating up yourself trying to get JJJ reelected when he should be easily defeated with all the revelations of criminal behavior he and his wife have been committing. The republican cannot win as there is not enough republicans in the district to make a dent.
So what you are doing is bad mouthing the only avenue that is left and that is my slot on the ballot. I am in the position to receive the disaffected voters votes to defeat JJJ and give this district what it has never had, i.e., the love care, concern & resources that have been traditionally diverted away from the constituents for the betterment of their lives.
Marcus Lewis
12:00 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
You are playing with fire as your childishness must be countered with some sound commonsense. Grow up sir! You are only hurting others because you don't care about how they will live if the machine holds on to a seat that could bring millions "directly" to the starving small businesses and educational grants to loan burdened college students and their families that are at wits end on how to pay for an overpriced undeserved education where upon graduation these worn out students have no equitable employment from which to be hired to begin to repay the massive student loan debt back in the six (6) month period mandated by law that forces this young people back to school just to "defer" the debt while taking on more debt at the same time.
You sir need to stop & think or you will be looked upon as an outcast.
babyboomer
11:21 am on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Marcus Lewis thinks that just because he is Black, that he deserves your vote. We know nothing about him, except that he is crazy. That's all we have had in this district, Crooks, crazy and more crazy!!
BUTCH
11:35 am on Thursday, October 25, 2012
I voted for LEWIS because he is not a GOP that will evolve into a TPARTY traitor, the GOP cannot help it they do not reelect anyone who is not a WINGNUT plain enough?
U knew nada about JR and voted for him because HE IS BLACK-CRAZY and has a job because hIs handlers conspired with the BLOOM GOP NEO ZIONIST boss of the day and had a huge GOP turnout to defeat GUS SAVAGE and elect MEL and then threw MEL under the BUS and off to the slammer where a few others ended up thanks to the ZIONISTS running the CHGO DEM and BLOOM GOP at the time u have more crooks yes but fewer ZIONISTS that's the good news
Marcus Lewis
12:17 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
I am Marcus Lewis. Independent Candidate for Congress 2nd District of Illinois. I am the alternative to JJJ. He must and will be defeated this election. I am calling on all sane and open-minded people here on the Patch to recognize the severity of this situation where this seat can be captured for the people's sole benefit and the powers that be will understand and know they must now negotiate with the masses of the people of this district for the first time WE THE PEOPLE will have a direct seat at the table of power and we can directly bargain through me, a common man, the things we must have. I will have the ability to schedule an appointment and go directly to the Whitehouse and get an audience with the President of the United States and tell him directly about helping with our concerns. So in short, I must speak out in the crucial election cycle where we all witnessing the complete meltdown of a Member of Congress. and you have the chance of a lifetime to insert a common man that is no better than any of you to bring help back to the district!
Marcus Lewis
12:17 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
I hope there are those here that knows this person and will run it down to him that this is not a game anymore. He is hurting a lot of others who may stay blinded and in the shadows throwing stones while at the same time are suffering needlessly so all because of pride & ignorance.
I am here to help. Miss this lifeboat if you want to and stay on the 'Titanic' mentality if you want to but as far as me and my house...
Marcus Lewis
12:18 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
I voted for Marcus Lewis for 2nd District U.S. House Representative. If you are smart you will too.
Marcus Lewis
12:22 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Those that want to find out about my stances...
www.marcuslewisforcongress2012.org
Then vote for Marcus Lewis like your life depended on it. It may?!
Denise Saxon
2:01 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Mr Lewis lays out a cogent and reasonable plan for the district,and it beats someone not being there for us. I voted for mr lewis, not wanting the republican alternative of not caring for others (nice man just bad politics) Praying for JJJ but I need a Congressman!
Anthony Williams
3:21 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Mr. Lewis says it's a chore to write in Anthony W. Williams, "I am better because I am on the ballot", as if that's a good enough reason to vote for him. Kennedy won the primary via write in, Lisa Murkowski, the Senate seat in 2010. Neither he or Mr. Woodworth can touch Anthony's record of service to our community. They should campaign for him. Please visit www.voteanthonywwilliams.com He's always reachable, continues to assist the general public regardless of campaign time, knowledgeable of the issues, experienced, consistent in all things & knows how to use his citizenship to get into an election. Anthony is who powers are trying to keep out as they know he WILL work to improve our district by involving the people. So what if this is his 6th run. There is no shame here. The loss belongs to our district. Anthony is a true servant of the people, and I have learned to live with it. Compare his works and who he represents. Intelligence comes with research & fact finding. Then the choice IS clear. No race must be about party affiliation, etc. but person with the best interest of our district and citizens. see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWDjlU6tO3s&list=UUFTxgauzpZfc4jgAUNKhL-Q&index=1&feature=plpp_video Everyone send e-mail, I will provide a list of every community in the district. Somebody knows somebody who knows somebody in our district who votes. Pass the word and our voices will truly be heard. Proud to be Mrs. Vivienne Williams. Thank you
Denise Saxon
3:58 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
I had occasion to hear this gentleman at a forum, your candidtates name is new to me sorry I considered all candidates known to me and he most closely suited my needs as a constituent of the district and the nation . thank you
Marcus Lewis
8:16 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Denise ,
I want to take this moment to personally thank you not only for your vote but the extra effort that you wrote a statement explaining why you voted for me. I take this moment in this crucial election with laser focus that we must lay aside all foolishness now and come to ourselves that JJJ & the machine must be defeated We should easily pickup this seat. Let us come together on this one thing and recognize that to have this seat in the people hands is where our future can begin and we can control our own destiny from a position of strength.
Marcus Lewis
8:31 pm on Thursday, October 25, 2012
Now all here on Patch and elsewhere in the district VOTE FOR MARCUS LEWIS FOR CONGRESS NOW to win this seat for the people.
Marcus Lewis
4:08 pm on Monday, November 5, 2012
This is how JJJ acts as a sick congressman.
http://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/ward-room/Report-Jesse-Jackson-Jr-Seen-In-DC-Bars-With-Two-Different-Women-174214241.html