Jackson Bound for Mayo Clinic, says Bobby Rush

Calling Jesse Jackson Jr. the "Derrick Rose of the Illinois delegation" to Congress, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush says 2nd District residents should give Jackson time to heal.

Rush and fellow Congressman Danny Davis met with Jackson at his D.C. home., then flew home to Chicago for a late Monday press conference, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Davis said he and Rush met with Jackson in person for "a personal assessment of his mental and emotional state" — and during their two-hour talk Jackson cried.

"He has not been derelict in his duties. ... No one is clamoring for Derrick Rose to come back before he should."

Speaking at O'Hare Airport after arriving from Washington, Rush said Jackson left for the Mayo Clinic Monday.

Reports the Tribune:

During their talk, Rush said, there were moments of lightness and moments of despair. At one point, Jackson cried thinking about his illness' effect on his family, Rush said.

Davis said Jackson had a "surprising sharpness and truthfulness about his mental state."

Rush criticized news coverage of Jackson's illness, urging reporters to "take a deep breath and step back."

The Latest on Congressman Jackson:

• New Poll: Jackson Still Favored by Voters in Latest 2nd District
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• Will County GOP Says Jesse Jackson Jr. Should Drop Out of Congressional Race